Maker/Artist
Mucha, Alphonse
Czech painter and printmaker, 1860-1939
Mucha established himself as a respected poster designer in Paris in the late 19th century, after designing a poster promoting the actress Sarah Bernhardt. His illustrations are distinguished by their mosaic backgrounds influenced by Byzantine artwork, and the romantic female form often depicted in flamboyant, theatrical poses, wearing garments laden with precious gems. Mucha's work was also popular with commercial businesses at the time, who often hired him for illustrations. Czech artist.