Those who have strolled around Sliema at some time or other would have probably noticed Art Nouveau embellishments on the façade of various houses and apartment blocks.

The elegant style knows its origins to the Czech painter Alphonse Mucha – pronounced Muha – in the early 20th century.

One might also recall that one’s grandparents had in their homes decorative items and framed prints designed by Mucha showing the four seasons, depicted as four women draped in the most stylish of dresses and colours.

Over 100 works by Mucha, under the banner In Quest For Beauty: Alphonse Mucha 1860-1939, will be showcased at the Salon of the National Museum of Archaeology in Republic Street, Valletta between February 25 and May15.

Heritage Malta, in search of a high level exhibition, came across these works and contacted the Mucha Foundation in Prague where there is also a museum dedicated to the artist, according to Kenneth Gambin, the national agency’s chief curator.

The Art Nouveau movement spread throughout the world after Mucha did a promotional poster for the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt in Paris.

“Mucha was a prolific painter who drew elaborate designs for packaging material for cigarette packets, biscuit tins and restaurant menus, to mention just a few.

“Sliema was being built at the time and several Maltese architects, such as Andrea Vassallo and Giuseppe Psaila, applied this decorative style to a number of buildings they designed,” Mr Gambin said. Villa Rosa, in St George’s Bay, designed by Mr Vassallo, is a typical example.

Heritage Malta has prepared a catalogue exploring the impact of Art Nouveau in Malta.

“Mucha was a genius and a popular artist that applied his style to popular art, a style that was widespread between the two world wars,” Mr Gambin said.