Get inspired by the work of the Illustrator Art Work greatest exhibitor of art nouveau in graphic arts Alphonse —Alfons— Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech visual artist, painter and illustrator who became one of the key figures in the art of the new century, the Parisian Belle Époque and art noveau. He dabbled in graphic design, painting, sculpture illustration, jewelry design, photography, interior decoration and product packaging. He was an undeniable influence on 20th century art, and to celebrate 130 years since his birth, we have compiled 5 keys to the development of his work. 5 keys in the work of Alphonse Mucha 1 Reverie,
Alphonse Mucha (1897) Elevation of printed art Upon his arrival in Paris, Mucha shared a studio with Paul Gauguin. Famed actress Sarah Bernhardt commissioned her for six years to design the posters for her plays—and she also worked on her costume and set design. Mucha began creating posters with floral motifs, with patterns reminiscent of mosaics and stained-glass windows in cathedrals; as well as influences from traditional oriental art. 5 keys in the work of Alphonse Mucha 3 "Sarah Bernhardt",
Alphonse Mucha (1896) 5 keys in the work of Alphonse Mucha 4 Poster for "La Tosca" with Sarah Bernhardt (1898) Over the years, Mucha's lithographs, along with those of artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, became a highly regarded and respected art form in Europe. His artistic posters were published in Jules Chéret's magazine Les Maîtres de l'Affiche , and “ le style Mucha ” began to be identified as synonymous with art noveau. Some of the most representative works that identify this style are the decorative panels The Seasons .