Alphonse Mucha: The Complete Graphic Works

Art lovers around the world recall with delight Muchas wonderful portraits of Sarah Bernhardt. Mucha single-handedly revolutionized French poster art at the turn of the century with art nouveau advertisements for Moet & Chandon, Job, Nestles, Benedictine brandy and «the flower of the nineties» Monaco Monte-Carlo. Muchas work was an inspiration to architects and designers who adapted his style of sinuous flowers and plant motifs for designing buildings and furniture. Muchas harmonious designs, sensitive colors and superb draughtmanship have earned him the reputation as one of the outstanding and influential graphic artists of Europe. This stunning and colorful book is the most accurate record of Muchas work available. Included are 163 full-color plates, some appearing here for the first time since their original publication. A complete catalog section contains 525 detailed and illustrated entries and an extensive bibliography of books, periodicals and exhibition catalogs. Marina Hendersons introduction, «Women and Flowers,» and Dr. Anna Dvoraks epilogue, «Illustrations for Books and Periodicals,» describe with insight Muchas life, his achievements and his philosophy.