Alphonse Mucha on His 'The Slav Epic'

Alphonse Mucha is largely responsible for what we know has Art Nouveau. Coming at the beginning of the 20th century was unfortunate timing for him though; has interest in Art Nouveau was replaced by 20th century's modernism. Rendering his style academic and old fashioned, and ultimately leading to an under appreciation for his masterpiece: The Slav Epic. Here is a quote from Mucha on that work:

"Once again I was doing historical painting, but this time not about Germany but a brotherly Slav nation. Describing the glorious and tragic events in its history, I thought of the joys and sorrows of my own country and of all the Slavs. And so, before I had completed the south Slav murals, I had made up my mind about my future big work which was to become 'The Slav Epic' and I saw it as a great and glorious light shining into the souls of all people with its clear ideals and burning warnings."

(Alphonse Mucha, quoted in p. 62 - Mucha, 2005 Grange Books)

He began work on The Slav Epic in 1910 and continued through 1928. Czech out (pun intended) this web page: The Slav Epic, The Magnum Opus of Alphonse Mucha..., where you can read the history of the monumental work and also view pictures of the paintings.

I champion the efforts of modernism in modern culture, but also Mucha's work has one of the last great classical-style master painters. My family heritage on my father's side is entirely Czech, or rather the three provinces of Moravia, Slovakia, and Bohemia, so how cannot I not champion one of the masterworks celebrating the history of my people?