The Ruby 1900

Alphonse Mucha crafted this image, ‘The Ruby,’ as an allegorical representation, and it is rife with symbols. The ruby itself, prominently displayed as jewelry, speaks of passion, protection, and prosperity, deeply rooted in ancient beliefs about precious stones. Consider Botticelli's Venus, draped in flowing fabrics and surrounded by flowers; Mucha’s figure echoes this goddess-like representation of beauty and nature, updated for the Art Nouveau era. The ruby, as a symbol, transcends cultures: from royal adornments signifying power to talismans warding off evil, it’s a recurring motif. Think of the psychological allure - its red hue stirs primal feelings and a yearning for vitality, much like the lifeblood coursing through us. The cyclical journey of the ruby, from a gem of kings to an emblem of beauty in Mucha's art, highlights its continuous, evolving significance in our collective psyche, forever linked to our deepest desires and fears.