Alphonse Mucha´s masterpiece Slav Epic in its biggest detail
In 2017, the famous art collection The Slav Epic was digitised by photographer Jan William Drnek - an expert in large-format high-resolution photography. The result of this unique project is the high-fidelity reproduction of Alphonse Mucha’s colossal paintings capturing the slightest detail.
Once the photographic documentation part of the project was done, the next logical step was to publish this unrivalled work as an exclusive large format book. The ability of capturing the colour and light fidelity of original the original canvases, combined with the usage of an exceptional print technology resulted in an unique publication. This large-format book allows the reader to study the smallest details of Mucha’s work and presents The Slav Epic in a never-before-seen form.
Find out more information about this challenging photoshoot in an interview with Jan William Drnek and team from Fomei.
The colour and light fidelity to of the original canvases was captured in such way that with together with a unique printing technology the results yielded a one-of-a-kind book.
The size of an open double page replicates the size of the largest canvases from The Slav Epic - 610 × 810 cm.
A large-format book with a hand-made binding.
The book consists of 336 pages, 80% of which depict the digitised canvases of The Slav Epic. The remaining 20% of the pages are devoted to informative, technical, and supplementary texts.
A strictly limited-edition of 200 books were produced. The buyer can choose the language version (English or Czech) as well as the edition’s available serial number.
Discover more information about the book concept.
The series of unique artifacts are intended as a framework for the publication, and they carry a meaningful message. They provide the reader with a stronger experience and create a connections between history, and time through the various scales of Mucha's paintings.
This gilded silver piece of jewellery was designed by Alphonse Mucha’s granddaughter - Jarmila Mucha Plocková.
See how the jewel was designed and then made.
Stones are present throughout the history of all times and here, they are thematically linked to locations that appear on various scenes of the Slav Epic.
Would you like to know more about the meaning of these artifacts? See the video about stones included in the epos.
The Certificate of Authenticity is signed by the author of the book, the project's patron, and the CEO of Albatros Media. It is made (among others) of fine wood fibres from a linden tree, under which, Jan Hus preached, according to the legend.
See here what it took to produce these handmade certificate.
A professional magnifying glass with high quality optics allows you to view the canvases in a 1:1 life-size ratio.
Why is the magnifying glass important in this project? Find out in the video.
The book comes with a sophisticated case, that not only protects the book and its contents, but can also serve as a stand to or a showcase for the precious publication and its accompanying artefacts.
Find out more about the story of this case here.
