Designed by Alphonse Mucha in 1920, Dilo Lodge, member jewel presents a ceremonial emblem as a tightly controlled arrangement of foliage, geometry and symbolic forms. A deep red triangular centre, bearing the stylised initials of the lodge, is enclosed by green leaves and fine gold detailing. Above it rises a small five-pointed star; below, a slender sword-like element extends along the vertical axis. Set against solid black, the design appears unusually concentrated and luminous, its organic ornament held in balance by emphatic symmetry.

Created in Czechoslovakia for Dilo Lodge, the member jewel belongs to the visual culture of fraternal insignia, in which emblems could communicate membership, rank and collective values. It also reveals the breadth of Mucha’s practice. Although he is most closely associated with the celebrated theatrical and advertising posters that helped define Art Nouveau in the public imagination, his decorative language was applied far beyond the poster: to jewellery, interiors, packaging and ceremonial objects. Here, that language is adapted to a compact badge of identity, giving institutional symbolism the refinement of an ornamental miniature.

A closer look

The composition is built around a strict central spine. At its heart, the red triangular field provides the strongest area of colour, edged by gold and dark contours that sharpen its silhouette. Within it, the intertwined lettering is treated less as ordinary typography than as part of the ornament: curving strokes appear embedded in the emblem rather than merely placed upon it. The triangle’s firm geometry anchors the surrounding leaves, whose curling edges and delicate veins soften the design without disturbing its symmetry.

The upper section narrows towards the star, creating a clear visual apex. Its golden points stand out crisply against the black ground, while the foliage immediately beneath it forms a transition between the celestial motif and the central jewel. At the lower edge, the sword-like vertical form changes the rhythm again. Its long, fine lines draw the eye downwards and lend the otherwise compact emblem a sense of ceremonial gravity.

Colour is used economically but forcefully. Saturated green and deep red form the principal contrast, while gold serves as a binding accent, tracing edges and picking out points of emphasis. Subtle variations within the foliage suggest overlapping leaves, yet the overall effect remains deliberately flat and graphic. Thin black outlines give definition to even the smallest curves, allowing the dense ornament to remain lucid against the surrounding darkness.

Context and significance

Mucha’s mature style grew from the Art Nouveau conviction that art could shape the full visual environment, from monumental decoration to the smallest designed object. Its characteristic vocabulary—sinuous line, stylised plant forms, decorative lettering and carefully integrated symbolism—proved remarkably adaptable. In this lodge jewel, the familiar flowing contours are disciplined by heraldic symmetry and the practical need for an emblem that could be immediately recognised.

The date places the design in Mucha’s later career, after the period in which his Paris posters had made his name internationally. Rather than repeating the expansive female figures and elaborate floral haloes of those earlier works, Dilo Lodge, member jewel compresses his decorative intelligence into a more austere symbolic structure. Its appeal lies precisely in that concentration: a small hierarchy of star, foliage, initials and blade transformed into a coherent statement of fellowship and identity.

Choosing the right size and finish

Artwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.

If you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, ask our workshop for advice.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x20in (90x50cm) version of this art print.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. See examples of personalised artwork.

Choose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. See examples of our Aged artwork.

Every piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.

Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.

Selected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and specialist framing are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, contact our workshop.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.