The Four Seasons. 1900.

Artist: ALEJANDRO DE RIQUER (1856-1920)
Size: Each: 22 3/8 x 46 1/4 in./57 x 117.6 cm
Condition: A.
Printer:
Reference: Ref: Weill/Art Nouveau, p. 54; Cataluña, 26-29; Riquer, p. 130-133; PAI-LXVIII, 571
Key Words: Art Nouveau; Spain

The Four Seasons. 1900.
This is a rare complete set of the Four Seasons by de Riquer. More seldom seen than the equivalent series by Mucha, they are the artist's masterpiece. A letter from the publisher Pierrefort to the artist indicates that the panels were printed on "paper exactly similar to the one used by Mucha for his animated Flowers," and that, because of the intricate detail and shading within the designs, seven instead of six colors would be used in the printing process. The letter continues: "The artist responsible for the lithographic process is not only skilled in the use of colour but is also an excellent designer. He admires your panels very much and will do everything in his power to reproduce them properly. I have additionally agreed to keep an unflinching eye on the process myself. We shall experiment, something that is not easy, given the size of the lithographic stones" (Art Nouveau/Weill, p. 54). (4)