Amethyst – The Precious Stones, 1900

Description

One of Mucha’s best sets, and one of the most rare, with only three or four known to have survived among collectors. Each gem is represented by a lovely lady, and its characteristic color, in all its hues. The lady of the AMETHYST appears to have been originally bare from the waist up, because there is a letter in Mucha’s correspondence from Champenois about the subject — the printer is asking him to cover up the lady’s breast, as otherwise there might be objections on moral grounds. This set, done appropriately enough in the period when Mucha was associated with the goldsmith Fouquet and ventured into designing jewelry, is in Mucha’s mature style. There is still a circular motif in the background, but otherwise the design is virtually bare of adornments and ornamental borders. The name of each precious stone appears in plain print in the lower margin.