Alfonse Mucha (1860-1939) was one of the most prolific artists from the Art Nouveau period. This musuem highlights his life and work in Bohemia and Paris.
Mucha became the toast of the town in Paris when he produced his first posters for Sarah Bernhardt, the legendary actress. His unique style of decorative art kick-started the Art Nouveau movement. Mucha's much admired posters for French products like chocolate, bicycles and beer revolutionized commercial art just before the turn of the century.
Mucha used live models for most of his work and went to extremes to pose them perfectly. Scantily clad female forms were his favorite subject. His use of curved lines and elaborate border designs set his work apart, although many tried to copy his style. Mucha also took on commissions for large projects including some exquisite stained glass panels in St. Vitus' Cathedral in Prague Castle.