Mikoláš Aleš was a Czech painter, graphic artist, illustrator and one of the best known artists who decorated the foyer of the National Theatre in Prague. His work is based in Romantism and the legacy of Josef Mánes.
Aleš was born in Mirotice to a family of a scribe and secretary. He was fond of painting since childhood and therefore signed for studies at the Art Academy. As a student he had to support himself and earned money by illustrations for newspapers and magazines like Květy and Světozor.
He was expelled from the school for his participation in a demonstration against Professor A. Woltmann who denied the existence of autonomous Czech art. Soon afterwards he participated in a competition for the decoration of the foyer of the National Theatre in Prague and won with his drafts of wall paintings and cycle “Fatherland“.
Mikoláš Aleš also became famous thanks to his illustrations of Old Bohemian Legends, Echoes of Russian Songs and other literary works.
The obverse side of the Smart coin features a patriotic motif depicting Saint Wenceslas on a horse and obligatory features – the denomination (1 dollar), the effigy of Queen Elizabeth, year of issue 2013 and the country Niue Island.
The portrait of Mikoláš Aleš is placed on the reverse side along with years of his birth and death.

Limited edition 500 pcs