1933 marked the 15^th anniversary of the independence of Czechoslovakia. However, celebrations in the republic and its neighbouring countries were overshadowed by news of Hitler’s rise as Chancellor of Germany. German refugees began to flock to the Czech borders and Nazism began to gain currency at home.

During this period, Mucha planned to make a large oil painting depicting the horrors of war. His project was eventually abandoned but this oil, entitled Light of Hope, is believed to be a study for the work.