LIFE with Mucha

Alphonse Mucha, born in what is now the Czech Republic, went to Paris and it was there he gained great acclaim for his theatrical posters for the famed actress Sarah Bernhardt. This resulting fame enabled him to actively develop his art in a wide range of mediums. At the end of the nineteenth century, Paris was rejoicing in its own prosperity as a shining example of modern urban development. Posters, the way in which products or events could entice the interest of consumers, who finally had money beyond their base needs, flourished. So refined did this art form become that the streets of Paris, plastered with such posters, were like outdoor galleries. Mucha’s posters, with their varied pastel colors and intricate line work, felt fresh and immediately gained popularity. In response to demand from those wishing to have more access to his art, he went beyond posters to also create a wide range of pieces that could adorn more ordinary spaces, including decorative panels, product packaging, jewelry, and picture postcards. Mucha wanted to create art that was not just for the very wealthy, but that could be enjoyed by the masses. In line with this wish, his works were absorbed into all sorts of everyday surroundings. While now Mucha’s works can only be seen in an art museum, in this exhibition we will dig deeper into how Mucha was able to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary by looking at works that would have decorated the place closest to everyone, the home.