A painter, illustrator and muralist whose name is prominently associated with Art Nouveau*, Alphonse Mucha created work with strong composition and color and sensuous curves derived from nature. Using this style, he began earning widespread attention in the 1890s for his illustration work including posters of actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Although his name is linked to Art Nouveau, a style meaning 'new art' in French, he avoided that discussion by saying he was merely painting in a way that was unique and natural to him.

Alphonse Mucha was born in 1860 in Ivancice, Moravia, which is near the city of Brno in the modern Czech Republic. When he finished high school, he became determined to become a painter, des...