Aubrey Beardsley 

English Illustrator & Author

August 21, 1872 – March 16, 1898

Beardsley’s drawings in black ink, influenced by the style of Japanese woodcuts, emphasized the decadent, erotic nature of the Aesthetic Movement, which also included Oscar Wilde and James A. McNeill Whistler.  Beardsley’s contribution to the Art Nouveau movement was quite significant in his short life, which came to an end at the young age of 25.  He was gravely influenced by Henri de Toulouse-Latrec.

What is the Aesthetic Movement?

An artistic movement in the late 19th century, which emphasized aestheticism over social-political themes in literature, fine art, and music.  Beauty was not only the pursuit but the ideal. It related to other prominent movements such as symbolism and decadence, in France and Italy.