Synopses & Reviews
Purveyor of the Belle Époque: Illustration that defined an era With his instantly recognizable decorative style, Czech artist and Art Nouveau master
Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939)
defined the look of the fin-de-siècle. In
evocative shades of peach, gold, ochre and olive, his seductive compositions of patterns, flowers and beautiful women became a mainstay of illustration, posters, postcards, and advertising designs of the day. In particular, his posters of star actress Sarah Bernhardt have become paradigms of the Belle Époque years.
Alongside this delicate decoration, Mucha also harbored committed
nationalist beliefs. With monumental works such as
The Slav Epic, he expressed his staunch support for Pan-Slavism, promoting the political independence of the Czech and Slavic nations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In a period of much European turbulence, he was also a Masonic philosopher and pacifist, with many
humanist ideals.
About the Series:Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series features:
- a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
- a concise biography
- approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions
Synopsis
All about the Belle Epoque: Delicate illustration that defined an era With his instantly recognizable decorative style, Czech artist and Art Nouveau master
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) defined the look of the fin-de-siecle. In evocative shades of peach, gold, ochre and olive, his
seductive compositions of patterns, flowers, and beautiful women became paradigms of the Belle Epoque years.
Mucha's work permeated illustration, posters, postcards, and advertising designs of his day. His striking posters of
star actress Sarah Bernhardt were particularly famous. Alongside this delicate decorative work, Mucha also harbored committed
humanist ideals and
nationalist beliefs. With monumental works such as
The Slav Epic, he expressed his staunch support for Pan-Slavism, promoting the political independence of the Czech and Slavic nations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
This book presents key works from Mucha's distinctive oeuvre to introduce an artist who, with few rivals, distilled the spirit of an age.
About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Art series features:
- a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
- a concise biography
- approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions
Synopsis
With his instantly recognizable decorative style, Czech artist and Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) defined the look of the fin-de-si cle. In evocative shades of peach, gold, ochre, and olive, his seductive compositions of patterns, flowers, and beautiful women became paradigms of the Belle poque years.
Mucha's work permeated illustration, posters, postcards, and the advertising designs of his day. His striking posters of star actress Sarah Bernhardt were particularly famous. Alongside this delicate decorative work, Mucha also harbored strongly felt political ideas. With his monumental cycle The Slav Epic, he expressed his staunch support for Pan-Slavism, promoting the political independence of the Czech and Slavic nations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Compiled in association with the Mucha Foundation, this book presents key works and introduces the full reach of Mucha's oeuvre from patterned decoration to his book illustrations, posters, photographs and monumental paintings.
About the series
Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Art series features:
a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
a concise biography
approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions