Aubrey Beardsley (1872 - 1898)

Aubrey Beardsley (1872 - 1898) - photo 1

Aubrey Beardsley

Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an English artist and illustrator, whose brief yet impactful career left an indelible mark on the art world. Born in Brighton, England, in 1872, Beardsley's work was instrumental in the development of the Art Nouveau movement, and he is often remembered for his bold, innovative illustrations that challenged Victorian sensibilities with their erotic and often grotesque imagery.

Beardsley's artistic journey was characterized by his unique ability to blend influences from Japanese woodcuts with the aesthetic of the English Art Nouveau movement. His illustrations are distinguished by their stark contrasts of black and white, intricate details, and the absence of middle tones, creating a dramatic and unmistakable style. He was particularly known for his illustrations for the limited edition of "Le Morte D'Arthur," which were celebrated for their elaborate detail and pre-Raphaelite influences, despite their sometimes grotesque details. This work, along with his contributions to "The Yellow Book" and illustrations for Oscar Wilde's "Salome," showcased his talent for capturing the decadent and the macabre, earning him both acclaim and controversy (Wikipedia, The Collector).

Beardsley's career, though short-lived due to his untimely death at the age of 25 from tuberculosis, was marked by significant contributions to various publications, including "The Studio" and "The Savoy," which he co-founded. His work for "The Yellow Book," where he served as art editor, was particularly influential. The magazine, using the latest image-reproduction technology of the time, allowed Beardsley to make dramatic use of black and white space, reflecting his vision of modern life and aesthetics (V&A Museum).

Despite facing health challenges and controversies, including being dismissed from "The Yellow Book" during the scandal surrounding Oscar Wilde's arrest, Beardsley continued to work on projects that pushed the boundaries of conventional morality and art. His illustrations for works like Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" and his retelling of the Tannhäuser legend are testament to his enduring creative spirit and his willingness to explore themes of decadence, sexuality, and the grotesque.

Beardsley's legacy extends beyond his death, influencing not only the Art Nouveau movement but also future generations of artists and illustrators. His work continues to be celebrated for its daring originality and its challenge to the norms of his time. The Victoria and Albert Museum, among others, has celebrated Beardsley's contributions to art and culture, showcasing his ability to intertwine the beautiful and the grotesque in ways that remain provocative and engaging to this day.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Beardsley's work offers a fascinating glimpse into the aesthetic and cultural shifts of the late 19th century. His influence on poster art, illustration, and the broader Art Nouveau movement underlines the significant impact he had during his brief career. To stay updated on sales and auction events related to Aubrey Vincent Beardsley's work, signing up for updates can provide exclusive access to the continuing legacy of this remarkable artist.

Date and place of birt:21 august 1872, Brighton, United Kingdom
Date and place of death:16 march 1898, Menton, France
Nationality:United Kingdom, France
Period of activity: XIX century
Specialization:Artist, Decorator, Graphic artist, Illustrator, Painter, Poet
Genre:Allegory, Genre art
Art style:Art Nouveau, Modern art, Post-Impressionism, Aestheticism
Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) - Auction prices

Auction prices Aubrey Beardsley

All lots

Creators United Kingdom

John McLauchlan Milne (1885 - 1957)
John McLauchlan Milne
1885 - 1957
Ervin Bossányi (1891 - 1975)
Ervin Bossányi
1891 - 1975
Fuller White ()
Fuller White
Steve McQueen (1969)
Steve McQueen
1969
Bill Woodrow (1948)
Bill Woodrow
1948
Alexander Munro (1825 - 1871)
Alexander Munro
1825 - 1871
Moses Griffith (1749 - 1819)
Moses Griffith
1749 - 1819
Yoko Ono Lennon (1933)
Yoko Ono Lennon
1933
Thomas Jones (1742 - 1803)
Thomas Jones
1742 - 1803
Frederick Christian Lewis (1779 - 1856)
Frederick Christian Lewis
1779 - 1856
Eduard Ender (1822 - 1883)
Eduard Ender
1822 - 1883
Lincoln Townley (1972)
Lincoln Townley
1972
Herbert James Gunn (1893 - 1964)
Herbert James Gunn
1893 - 1964
Claud Lovat Fraser (1890 - 1921)
Claud Lovat Fraser
1890 - 1921
Dominikus Auliczek (1734 - 1804)
Dominikus Auliczek
1734 - 1804
Percy Wyndham Lewis (1882 - 1957)
Percy Wyndham Lewis
1882 - 1957

Creators Aestheticism

Karl Schmoll von Eisenwerth (1879 - 1948)
Karl Schmoll von Eisenwerth
1879 - 1948
Giacomo Balla (1871 - 1958)
Giacomo Balla
1871 - 1958
George Ivanovich Narbut (1886 - 1920)
George Ivanovich Narbut
1886 - 1920
Armin Hansen (1886 - 1957)
Armin Hansen
1886 - 1957
Fritz Quant (1888 - 1933)
Fritz Quant
1888 - 1933
Mahmoud Sabri (1927 - 2012)
Mahmoud Sabri
1927 - 2012
Eduard Stellmacher (1868 - 1932)
Eduard Stellmacher
1868 - 1932
Nikolai Vasilyevich (Nicolas) Krycevsky (1898 - 1961)
Nikolai Vasilyevich (Nicolas) Krycevsky
1898 - 1961
Otto Baum (1900 - 1977)
Otto Baum
1900 - 1977
Jack Butler Yeats (1871 - 1957)
Jack Butler Yeats
1871 - 1957
Alberts Tibro (1950)
Alberts Tibro
1950
Hans Arnold Daepp (1886 - 1949)
Hans Arnold Daepp
1886 - 1949
Yasuo Kuniyoshi (1889 - 1953)
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
1889 - 1953
Maurice Denis (1870 - 1943)
Maurice Denis
1870 - 1943
Contardo Barbieri (1900 - 1966)
Contardo Barbieri
1900 - 1966
Hans Andersen Brendekilde (1857 - 1942)
Hans Andersen Brendekilde
1857 - 1942
× Create a Search Subscription