CalledArt Nouveau, it was aimed at modernizing design.
It became a style that spread across many creative disciplines including architecture and applied artbut especially decorative arts.
Czech artistAlphonse Muchaencapsulates theArt Nouveaumovement like no other.
“Zodiac,” 1897 (Photo:WikimediaCommons, Public Domain)
During the 19th century, art was only available to the elite in society.
Mucha believed, however, that art should be available to everyoneno matter their social class.
Mucha explored six main themes while creating his panels.
“The Seasons,” 1896 (Photo:WikimediaCommons, Public Domain)
Read on to learn more about each series.
Discover the six themes that Alphonse Mucha explored to create his Art Nouveau posters.
However, Muchas style breathed new life into the theme.
“The Flowers-Carnation,” 1898 (Photo:WikimediaCommons, Public Domain)
Even the subjects hairstyles appear to mimic the shapes of the petals and leaves.
ForThe Artsseries, Mucha embodied different art disciplines as women at certain parts of the day.
Painting holds a red flowersymbolizing inspirationduring the day.
“The Arts-Dance,” 1898 (Photo:WikimediaCommons, Public Domain)
Poetry contemplates as she gazes at the moonlit countryside.
Music listens to birdsong at night while Dance sways in the daytime autumn breeze.
Each figure is posed and set within natural surroundings that reflect the mood.
“The Times Of The Day,” 1899 (Photo:WikimediaCommons, Public Domain)
The scenes are housed within an elaborate ornamental frame, reminiscent of a Gothic window.
The Precious Stones, 1900
InThe Precious Stones, Mucha personifies four gemstones as beautiful women.
Each female figure is illustrated wearing flowing robes and hair decorations that recall the color of the stone.
Even their eyes match the hue of the gemstone they represent.
Mucha has also paired each figure with a specific flower.
The Amethyst figure is colored in purple, red, and pink while paired with irises.
She, of course, wears green and is illustrated among lily grass.
Ruby holds a provocative pose, playfully touching her ornate ruby necklace.
She is paired with poinsettia flowers.
The figure of the Moon covers her mouth with her hand as though she is expressing surprise.
The Moon appears as a halo, framing and highlighting her face.
