"Ivy" is a decorative panel created in 1901, one of a pair with "Laurel." During this period, the illustrations for "Documents Décoratifs" (see 9th installment), which would be published in 1902, were being produced simultaneously, reflecting Mucha's interest in exploring designs that integrated women and nature. In this work, the circular motif, a trademark of the Mucha style, is repurposed as a frame, within which is depicted the profile of a voluptuous woman with ivy leaves adorning her hair. Evergreen ivy is a symbol of permanence, and Mucha personified it in the form of a woman. Behind her, a motif of arrows, symbolizing spiritual energy emanating from the heavens towards the woman, is depicted in the style of a Byzantine mosaic. This enhances the decorative effect while also expressing the unchanging vitality of the ivy, the subject of the work. B0318