Alophonse Mucha in Prague

Prague is synonymous with the Art of Alphonso Mucha.  His influences are all over the city.  You can even find a stain glass window in the St. Vitus Cathedral that looms over the city. 

St. Vitus Cathedral

Mucha's Stained Glass design found in St. Vitus Cathedral 

Mucha's art work is more generally associated with Art Nouveau and the many prints that he created for advertisements at the turn of the 20th century.  There is a great exhibit in Prague at the Municipal House (Obecní dum) called iMUCHA that has a good representation of the body of his work.  He is one of my greatest influences, and I am glad I was able to see some of his lesser viewed work.

Below are some of the pieces at the iMUCHA exhibit.  The first two pieces are more typical of his work that is popular.  

There are also examples of his process sketches and studies, which I find fascinating to see how the art evolved.

I love seeing the studies of his models too.  It shows the time and effort spent to make his pieces come to life.

This print is one of the pieces that are inspired by his Bohemian roots, showing the more traditional clothing worn in the region.

Many of these pieces cannot be seen outside of going to Prague.  Another one of his great works, The Slav Epic, is displayed in Savarin Palace in Prague.  It is made up of 20 large canvases that depicts the mythology and history of the Czech and Slavic people.  They are truly amazing to see in person.

Mucha's Slav Epic

Mucha's Art Nouveau influences can be found throughout the city of Prague, in the facades of building, and in statues on the street.