Alphonse Mucha - Artist Biography

Alphonse Mucha was born in 1860 in Moravia, or the modern-day Czech Republic. He was not considered very bright and did very poorly in school, but all along his passion for music and art were building. When he finally finished high school (after an extra two years spent in the attempt), he informed his family he was going ot Paris to become an artist.

A patron from his home town supported him for two years, but frustrated by a lack of results, he finally stopped sending money. Mucha embraced the idea that he was now the consummate starving artist, and spent five years happily playing the part. He knew that he was actually creating his own style and technique.

On January 1, 1895, he got his chance to make it public. He had been asked to create a poster for Sarah Bernhardt's play, Gismonda, and the finished poster was the unveiling of his new art. The nearly life-sized drawing almost single-handedly launched the Art Nouveau style. Instead of the typical bright colors and sharp angles of the time, this work was all sweetness and curves.

Mucha believed that art could and should be everywhere. He favored the theater, and worked on posters, costumes, and sets for most of his life. By the time of his death in 1939 in Prague, Mucha had achieved a wide degree of recognition, and works like Bieres De La Meuse, West End Review and the Four Arts series are still very popular. Poster Checkout has a huge selection of prints of his works available for sale. Check out our selection and prices--you'll love to bring this beautiful art into your home!