Alphonse Mucha- the Father of Art Nouveau

Alphonse Mucha was born in 1860, and it wasn't until his 30s around 1890 did the design aesthetic he helped create, Art Nouveau, took the art world by storm. Mucha got his first big break that brought him recognition in 1894, when he entered a print shop in the need for a new advertising poster for the most famous actress in Paris. Alphonse said he could produce one in two weeks time, and after creating it, it sparked his career as a poster designer and a creator of a new art form and aesthetic.

The poster that was created by Mucha for "Gismonda"

After gaining a ton of publicity for his work on the "Gismonda" poster, Mucha went to work, creating loads of artwork, ads, posters, and illustrations, and in doing so inspired many others to imitate his work. His fame as an advertising artist frustrated him. He believed that art should have a spiritual message, which seemed to be the opposite intention in terms of advertising.

After passing away in 1939, his work would have a rollercoaster ride of interest, with little or none in the 40s and 50s and shooting up in the 60s and 70s, inspiring artists and designers of the time as well.