Zodiaque 1896 - 1897

Alphonse Mucha created this poster, Zodiaque, using lithography. The composition immediately draws you in with its decorative richness and elegant lines. The warm golden hues contrasted with the cool blues and greens create a harmonious visual balance. The figure's profile is framed by the circular zodiac symbols, a formal device that not only organizes the composition but also alludes to cosmic order and cycles. Mucha employs a semiotic system where each zodiac sign acts as a signifier, referencing specific astrological meanings and cultural associations. The elaborate ornamentation and flowing lines are not merely decorative; they serve to dissolve the boundaries between the figure and the background, echoing art nouveau's rejection of rigid, hierarchical structures. This dissolution of boundaries challenges traditional notions of representation. It invites a more fluid and interconnected understanding of the self within the universe.