Alphonse Mucha

Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech artist who became famous for his Art Nouveau posters and decorative panels. After studying art in Prague and Munich, he moved to Paris in 1887 to work as an illustrator. Mucha’s breakthrough came in 1894 when he was commissioned to create a poster for the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. The poster, featuring an elegant and ethereal depiction of Bernhardt, was a sensation and launched Mucha’s career as a poster designer.

Mucha's style was characterized by flowing lines, pastel colors, and the incorporation of decorative motifs inspired by nature and Eastern art. In addition to his poster work, Mucha designed sets and costumes for the theatre, created book illustrations, and even designed currency for the newly-formed Czechoslovakia.

Today, Mucha’s work is considered an iconic representation of the Art Nouveau movement, and his posters are highly sought after by collectors around the world.