Alphonse Mucha & Art Nouveau

Alphonse Mucha is an internationally known Czech Art Nouveau artist. I first saw his work while studying abroad in Prague, where he is hailed as a national hero for his paintings and designs. Mucha got his early start in advertising, where he designed posters for a famous actress in Paris and cigarettes.

"Job - only smoke our cigarettes if you have levitating hair."
Photo from Mucha Foundation

Mucha's work is characterized by organic details, an affinity to circular shapes and beautiful women. He created lots of panel work, featuring several paintings and designs as a themed bundle - see examples below. 

"Times of the Day" - note the framed archway

"Seasons" - subject still framed, but in flowers/branches

Some of his most impressive work came at the end of his life, when he returned to the Czech Republic to pursue large-scale, mural-like paintings altogether named "Slav Epic." I was fortunate enough to catch the "Slav Epic" series while it was in Prague, and got to see these massive floor-to-ceiling paintings myself. 

Incredibly detailed, capturing Slavic history (floating people may depict some historical inaccuracy)

Don't let these giant humans fool you - these paintings are huge.
Photo courtesy of Russianculture.wordpress

Mucha successfully pursued jewelry making, glass design and interior design - some of his best known work are paintings and glasswork showcased all across the country in the Czech Republic, in famous buildings and cathedrals. 

I strongly urge you to check out his work: http://www.muchafoundation.org/. 

All Hail Mucha!

-Connie K.