Alfons Mucha

by Josef Moucha

Though Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) achieved lasting international acclaim as an Art Nouveau painter, graphic designer, and decorator, his outstanding photography is not as well known. His photographic sketchbook and personal visual diary, comprising photographs from the mid-1880s until the end of his life, constitutes a unique and profound artistic statement. This mosaic of captured moments reveals the intimate and personal basis of both Mucha's own life as an artist and the time period in which he lived. The behind-the-scenes glimpses of his studio provided here prove that Mucha--the creator of the ideal of Art Nouveau beauty--was one of the pioneers of the classic nude in Czech photography. This is the first time such a large selection of Mucha's extensive photographic work has been assembled as a book. Many of the photos in this book, never before published, reveal hitherto unknown aspects of Mucha's work, which will be of interest to the general reader and the photographic connoisseur alike.

Genres: Photography

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite illustrators has always been Alphonse Mucha. I really enjoy his decorative and distinct style. It's also nice to see he did a lot of paintings (20 huge pieces in his "The Slav Epic") and even a large stain-glass window. I'd love to see those in person some day.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love Mucha - he is by far my favorite artist. I love the way he blends the organic with the geometric, I love the fanciful, romantic, swirly details. Art Nouveau (his genre) is much warmer than Art Deco, which followed. It is clearly a precursor to Deco, as it introduces a more geometric, repetitive form.

This small book of photographs includes a biography and information about his work. The photographs will appeal to anyone who has seen and appreciates his work, as many of them served as models for his art. I found it fascinating to see the differences and similarities between what he actually saw (as represented by the photographs) and what he drew. An excellent companion to something like Figures Decoratives or The Art Nouveau Style Book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is clearly a translation, so often the reading is a little off, however it does suggest that there is far more to learn about Mucha than his biography. The book gives a general overview of his photographic work and does represent his work as more than commercial posters. In the end it is a quick read with some very interesting photographs and evidence that the study of his photography in English is needed.