Alfons Mucha

Born in 1860, Alfons Mucha wanted to be an artist and began painting interiors in his native Bohemian Empire, now Czech Republic. He painted the interior of a castle for a Czech noble, then another and was sent to Paris to study art by Count Karl Khuen.

When he lived in Paris, he lived the high life, his place became the gathering place for artists; writers and gorgeous models. I love this photo of Paul Gauguin in Mucha's apartment; drink a little Absinth much!!

Mucha's sponsor eventually dried up and he was obliged to do ads, illustrations and design labels for a living. Here is his Moet and Chandon label.

Mucha became an overnight success when he began doing theater posters for hugely popular actress Sarah Bernhardt.

He pretty much single handedly began the "Art Nouveau" movement which led to Art Deco. In his lifetime he designed jewelry, furniture, appliances, interior design, exterior design, classic paintings, and posters. 

He returned to his native Bohemia (todays Czech Republic) and lived a full life with his wife and children. He gave much to his country, was a longtime Freemason and responsible for setting up the new Czechoslovakian temples, which led to his eventual demise. He was one of the first people to be arrested by the Nazis when they invaded Bohemia. (Not only did they seek to exterminate Jews, Gypsies and homosexuals, but Freemasons as well.) He was released and allowed to return home, but the experience broke him and he died shortly after in 1939.

Visit the Mucha Museum next time you are in Prague!!

Gros bisous!

Love, Charley