“Salon of the Hundred” is an artwork created by Alphonse Mucha in 1896. It is a lithography poster designed in the characteristic Art Nouveau style that prevailed during the Modern era. The piece was created as a promotional poster for the 20th exhibition, or Salon des Cent, which was a significant commercial art exhibition in Paris, particularly promoting the graphic arts.
The poster features a woman with long flowing hair which is a hallmark of Mucha’s style. She appears to be entwined with the typography on the poster, signifying an intimate relationship between the figure and the text, which includes the name of the exhibition along with details like the venue and the dates. Her profile is gracefully tilted, eyes closed, and she seems to be interacting delicately with stars, possibly symbolizing creativity or inspiration. Moreover, the use of sinuous lines, organic forms, and a warm color palette further contribute to the Art Nouveau aesthetic that Mucha was quintessentially known for. The stylized botanical elements and the prominent whiplash curves complement the central feminine figure and integrate the text with the imagery in a seamless manner. The overall composition reflects the harmony and decorative elegance that Art Nouveau is celebrated for, and which Mucha masterfully executed.
