Paris, Librairie Central des Beaux Arts, 1901. Folio (46 x 33 cm). Original monochrome print.

A fine print from Alphonse Mucha's quintessential Art Nouveau book, Documents décoratifs. Alfons ‘Alphonse’ Maria Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech decorative artist who wanted to bring aesthetic values into arts and crafts. He invented the ‘Mucha Style’, which soon became known as Art Nouveau. His work immediately became immensely popular and has remained very sought after. This plate shows examples of horizontal bands with repeating patterns: the top one showing stag beetles and flowers, the second showing turtles and flowers, the third fish, bubbles, and "waves", and the fourth consisting of female portraits in circular frames and narrow, ornamental bands, suggesting a corniche, frieze, and architrave. Lower edge with a short tear; a few minute marginal spots; otherwise fine. Very rare, especially in this excellent state.