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Alfons Mucha

Alphonse Mucha Timeline

Czech painter Alphonse Maria Mucha leapt to fame in Paris in 1895 when his poster Gismonda (1894) for the superstar Sarah Bernhardt heralded the birth of the distinctive ‘Style Mucha’ and established him as the pre-eminent exponent of French Art Nouveau.

This living timeline positions Mucha’s life within the context of significant contemporary historical and artistic events and shows how his artistic legacy has been protected and promoted by his family, leading to the establishment of the Foundation in 1992 and its ongoing mission to share and celebrate his work and life.

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  • 1860 — 1879
    Beginnings

    Born at the height of the Czech National Revival, Mucha grew up to be a passionate believer in an independent Czech nation.

    Begin- nings

  • 1880 — 1894
    Artistic training

    After working in Vienna as a theatre set painter, Mucha studied art in Munich and then Paris where he gained recognition as an illustrator.

    Artistic training

  • 1895 — 1903
    Breakthrough in Paris

    Following the success of his poster Gismonda, Mucha became a leading Art Nouveau designer but ultimately resolved to pursue the Pan-Slavic ideal through his art.

    Breakthrough in Paris

  • 1904 — 1909
    American sojourn

    Mucha visited the United States five times in six years to seek funds for his new project, the Slav Epic. The American millionaire Charles R. Crane became his sponsor.

    American sojourn

  • 1910 — 1928
    Return to Bohemia

    Mucha spent nearly two decades on the creation of the Slav Epic, which he and Crane presented to the newly formed Czechoslovakia on its 10th anniversary.

    Return to Bohemia

  • 1929 — 1939
    Visions for the future

    Under the growing threat of war, Mucha began working on a monument for humanity that was never finished; he died shortly after the German invasion of Prague.

    Visions for the future

  • 1940 — 1991
    Preserving Mucha's legacy

    Mucha’s work was almost forgotten after his death, but his artistic legacy was preserved and rehabilitated by his son Jiří after the Second World War.

    Preserving Mucha's legacy

  • 1992 — 2012
    The Mucha Foundation

    Jiří’s efforts were continued by the Mucha Foundation, established by his family. Since 1993, the foundation has been organising exhibitions globally, keeping Mucha’s legacy alive.

    The Mucha Foundation