Czech painter and illustrator Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was already known for his

versatile and sensitive work when he entered into his phenomenal career in poster design.

It was Christmas Eve of 1894, and Sarah Bernhardt needed to bolster falling attendance at

her production of 'Gismonda'.

She called the manager of the printing house, Lemercier, to commission a new poster,

but all the printer's artist were away for the holidays.

Mucha, however, was there correcting proof for a friend.

Assigned the job out of desperation, he designed the poster that launched 'le style Mucha'

and thrust him into the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement.

For the next five years he designed posters for nearly all of Bernhardt's new productions,

as well as sets, costumes and jewelry, together with posters for the publishers,

'F. Champenois' and other clients.

Dubbed 'The Apostle of the Beautiful and the Ideal' by the English publication 'The Poster',

Mucha nearly always incorporated flowers and beautiful women into his

delicate, ornate posters.

With their flowing designs and subtle, sumptuous colours, his posters are among the most

elegant products of the art nouveau period.

The handcrafted Birthday, All Occasion card is handmade with the finest quality cardstock.

Handmade - no two cards are the same.

Thank you for looking.