Homework #5

Adolfo Hohenstein and Alphonse Mucha

            During the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, graphic art was changing. Most graphic arts were now focused on Art Nouveau. These designs included natural forms and structures. With the use of curved lines, the viewer could see the influence from plants and flowers. Graphic artists Adolfo Hohenstein and Alphonse Mucha were few of the many artists that made incredible contributions to this art form.

            Adolfo Hohenstein was a German painter, illustrator and advertiser born in 1854.  His many poster illustrations and advertisements made him stand out as the father of Italian poster art and Italian Art Nouveau. His use of bright colors and curvilinear lines, have a way of drawing the viewer in to his art. Interestingly enough, Hohenstein actually started his career off as a costume designer in Italy.  In his many poster designs, one can see his attention to detail for the clothing he drew. He died in 1928, yet left behind a legacy with his amazing designs. Many artists looked up to his Art Nouveau work.

            Artist Alphonse Mucha was born in Czechoslovakia in 1860. He was best known for his Art Nouveau paintings and decorative art. Mucha produced many paintings, illustrations, advertisements and even postcards during is life. Many of his artworks featured young women in flowing robes, encased in flowers. Mucha usually used pale pastel colors in these detailed designs. He even spent many years of his life working on twenty huge paintings. These paintings showed the story of the Czech and Slavic people. Once Mucha died in 1939, his art style was considered outdated. Yet in the 1960’s many of his pieces came back in style.

           Both Mucha and Hohenstein brought very different art to the Art Nouveau style. While Mucha focused on women and whimsical designs, Hohenstein preferred detailed story-like designs. Both men changed the way art was viewed during this time and left behind incredible designs for future generations.

 Alphonse Mucha 1902

 Alphonse Mucha 1899

Alphonse Mucha 1860

          

 Adolfo Hohenstein 1900

 Adolfo Hohenstein 1900

Adolfo Hohenstein 1927