Mucha Art Highlighted in Lendl Collection
The world-renowned Czech artist, Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) needs no introduction. Yet when his works were assembled in a splendid exposition at Prague's historic Municipal House, the true genius of this Central European painter and illustrator shone forth.
In an extraordinary exhibit from Czech/American Tennis Star's private collection, the range and magic of Mucha's work, especially his iconic Art Nouveau posters shone forth. The Tennis legend Lendl (who now lives in the USA) started collecting Mucha originals in 1982, and has assembled a world class portfolio.
The collection of 122 works of art covering each of Mucha's artistic periods in Paris (1894-1904), America (1904-1909), and the Czech Period (1909-1935), presented the evolution of this master.
Mucha is best known in the West for his Parisian period--his famed advertising posters for Ruinart Champagne, JOB cigarette paper, and the LU biscuits. He theatre posters of the stage legend Sarah Bernhardt are widely known.
During the American and Czech periods, Mucha's art reflected Bohemian nationalist themes and the Slavic Epic. This period coincided with the First World War and the subsequent independence of the Czechoslovak state in the wake of the Austrian monarchy's collapse. Many of Mucha's murals grace the Municipal House, site of the proclamation of Czechoslovakian independence in 1918.
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