Alphonse Mucha (Czech, 1860–1939)

Gismonda, 1894

Thrust into fame after his groundbreaking poster for Sarah Bernhardt’s 1894 production of Gismonda, Alphonse Mucha went on to design a series of theater posters for the celebrated actress, as well as costumes and sets. Buoyed by her patronage, the artist received a flood of commissions for his artwork. Mucha’s posters are among the most elegant products of the Art Nouveau era.