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The picture shows a series of four panels, each depicting one of the four seasons personified by a woman. Originally it was printed circa 1897 and made into the "Chocolat Masson" and "Chocolat Mexican" Calendar of 1897.
Alphonse Mucha was influenced by Symbolism and the social aspects of William Morris's Arts and Crafts Movement in England. He attempted to give access to the beauty of art to every social class and to elevate the decorative elements to the status of works of art. He developed his own aesthetic ideals and original style, which became the hallmark of his time and was also known as "Mucha Style".
His graphic works are based on strong centred composition and symbolic themes featuring idealized young female figures in sensuous or provocative poses, entwined in vaporous hair and light dresses enriched by decorative ornaments inspired by nature, such as willowy foliage, flowers and extravagantly beautiful jewels. The figures are detailed by expressive darker lines and enriched by natural soft colours and gold. Functional and decorative friezes usually frame the illustrations, and the background space is filled with floral or abstract patterns.
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