Am I somehow the only one who was unfamiliar with these incredible and giant works by Mucha? Everyone talks about his incredible posters/design, but I think this series is remarkable!
I went to Prague a couple years ago and visited two Mucha museums. It was so cool seeing his original work! I love the Slave epic but unfortunately it is in a castle in Czech Rep. that we did not have time to get there. At one of the museums, they showed a wonderful documentary about him painting the series.
Interesting factoid about Mucha. During World War II he was interrogated by the SS and died weeks later...
I love that he carries the blue/orange complements throughout the whole series not just in this piece. I can't think of a better example of excellence in execution concerning one of the most underrated basics of color theory.
Great find, Oliver. Although I can't trace the exact connection, I can't help feeing that many illustrated movie posters of the 70's and 80's were influenced by this and paintings like it.
In particular: The central figure flanked by smaller characters, the amount of narrative detail. the dramatic lighting and the decorative approach to color.
Great point, Woodrow. I would love to see the color of these giant pieces in person to really examine them.
Chuck, I totally see what you're saying! There's something very "Drew Struzan" about it...it also almost looks like a Drew Struzan palette directly, but he's another guy who knows how to work a good complimentary color scheme.
The posted Mucha piece and a couple of others in the series have a remarkably modern feel to them which I think is amazing.
Truly amazing...roughly 14 years for the entire Epic. Unfortunately due to politics, war, greed, you name it, works of art that should be shared and artists that should have lived longer, have not.
Niiiiiiice - I hadn't seen this piece - thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow - I just now linked to the rest of the series...the nighttime palettes are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI went to Prague a couple years ago and visited two Mucha museums. It was so cool seeing his original work! I love the Slave epic but unfortunately it is in a castle in Czech Rep. that we did not have time to get there. At one of the museums, they showed a wonderful documentary about him painting the series.
ReplyDeleteInteresting factoid about Mucha. During World War II he was interrogated by the SS and died weeks later...
Magnifique, sublime...
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't imagine how long it would take to create a piece like that....
ReplyDeleteI love that he carries the blue/orange complements throughout the whole series not just in this piece. I can't think of a better example of excellence in execution concerning one of the most underrated basics of color theory.
ReplyDeleteGreat find, Oliver.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I can't trace the exact connection, I can't help feeing that many illustrated movie posters of the 70's and 80's were influenced by this and paintings like it.
In particular: The central figure flanked by smaller characters, the amount of narrative detail. the dramatic lighting and the decorative approach to color.
Great point, Woodrow. I would love to see the color of these giant pieces in person to really examine them.
ReplyDeleteChuck, I totally see what you're saying! There's something very "Drew Struzan" about it...it also almost looks like a Drew Struzan palette directly, but he's another guy who knows how to work a good complimentary color scheme.
The posted Mucha piece and a couple of others in the series have a remarkably modern feel to them which I think is amazing.
This is awesome, look at that colour and value! Man, a true master of design and composition...
ReplyDeleteTruly amazing...roughly 14 years for the entire Epic. Unfortunately due to politics, war, greed, you name it, works of art that should be shared and artists that should have lived longer, have not.
ReplyDelete