Seduction, Attraction, Charm, Appeal, Glamor…
“Seduzione” can be translated as any of the above and certainly, for me, the art of Alphonse Mucha embodies and personifies all of that!

The Beauty of Being Here…immersing in art is an emotional salve for me in this pretty tumultuous world right now. I’m beyond grateful to be in a place that embraces art and beauty in all its diverse expressions. And, what a pleasure and privilege to be able to enjoy another rewarding experience recently here in Florence.

I have memories of loving Mucha’s dreamy art nouveau images so when this exhibit was announced, needless to say, I had every intention of attending…

Sponsored by his grandson, John, and the Mucha Foundation, the exhibit at the Museo degli Innocenti includes over 200 works and presents an appealing introduction to Mucha and art nouveau, even to one who is not familiar.

The exhibition is elegant and tastefully curated and only  includes Mucha’s biography, evolution as an artist, creative talent and influence but reflects his passionate beliefs and philosophy.

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It is best expressed by his grandson:

“…a supreme exponent of Art Nouveau, whose decorative works are landmarks in the history of modern graphic art but whose artist concerns embraced so much more than ‘mere decoration’.

Mucha believed in the universality of art and its power to inspire and communicate with people.

This exhibition therefore presents not only Mucha’s splendid fin-de-siècle posters of Sarah Bernhardt and his commercial world in Paris but also introduces less known aspects of Mucha’s art with a particular focus on his work after he returned to his Czech homeland.

Whether you are a seasoned Mucha enthusiast or are coming to his work for the first time, we hope that you will find this exhibition not only of interest but also surprising, stimulating and challenging.

My grandfather longed for a better world where people from diverse cultural backgrounds could respect their differences and live in peace and harmony. In this troubled world his message carries a particular poignancy. He also believed passionately that art was an essential benefit to humanity and that it should therefore be made easily available to the general public and be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
John Mucha
President, Mucha Foundation

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As you are guided through the exhibit, you are introduced to Mucha and surrounded by his lovely, captivating images.

His close relationship and the mutual admiration between him and the “Divine Sarah”, diva and famous stage actress Sarah Bernhardt, resulted in iconic posters for her performances.

It’s also intriguing to learn that he embraced bringing his art to the “commercial world” and hence to the public – fragrance, chocolate, biscuits, bicycles, cigarettes, champagne and even a department store calendar were graced with his appealing creations.

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“Whether it was a matter of alcoholic beverages, champagne, beers and spirits, detergents, perfumes, bicycles, and cigarettes, the advertised item receded into the background, while it was always an idealized, elegant young woman that to centre stage. Hieratic female figures framed by dynamic graphic contours evoked seductive atmospheres and, with their captivating smile and enchanting gaze, enticed the viewer to enter into their world.

These female figures represented beauty, grace, and elegance, creating the sensation that the offered products came down from heaven, borne by sacred maidens.

The colours, too, were innovative, chosen mostly among pastel hues with delicate nuances, for a considerable visual impact…”

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His poster for the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris exemplifies his desire to bring beauty and art into the everyday for every one…

“Mucha favoured simple and universal themes like the seasons, flowers, and hours of the day – themes easily comprehensible also to the layman, and that can thus inspire the seeking of beauty.

Mucha’s works, from drawings to decorative prints, would then be offered in a myriad of forms, like calendars,postcards, and even everyday items, and reproduced in a host of art magazines in France and abroad, thus spreading the style Mucha everywhere. Now very much in fashion, his style would influence the entire Exposition Universelle.”

And who can argue that bringing more beauty into the world isn’t a noble goal?

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♦ More about the exhibit:
Museo degli Innocenti:  https://www.museodeglinnocenti.it/en/
Admission is 16 euros and includes entrance to the Mucha Exhibit and the Museo.
(definitely worthwhile!)
Exhibit runs until April 7, 2024

Open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Piazza della SS. Annunziata, 13 50121 Florence FI
There’s also the lovely Caffe del Verone where you can enjoy a cappuccino or snack

Read my blog post about the Museo degli Innocenti and its poignant history.