Alphonse mucha (Prestel)

Alphonse Mucha is known largely for having originated Art Nouveau, when his poster of the actress Sarah Bernhardt became a legendary icon of the movement. Mucha went on to design hundreds of pieces in the decorative arts field, but later distanced himself from the style he pioneered, devoting his time and energy to painting. This book presents the full array of Mucha's artistic contributions - not only his posters and jewellery designs but also his design for the pavilion of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 1900 world's fair. The book also contains his works on canvas, which include pastels and frescoes and his magnum opus, The Slavic Epic, a series of 20 paintings depicting the history of his native people. A stunning selection of 700 colour illustrations is accompanied with essays that explore Mucha's style and inspirations, his transition away from the decorative arts and his forays into photography. Fans of Art Nouveau will treasure this dazzling and unique study of the artist and his contributions to design and illustration.