Aubrey Beardsley
Aubrey Beardsley, a dazzling and controversial figure of the Aestheticism and Symbolism movements, burned brightly but briefly. Born in Brighton, England, in 1872, Beardsley's exquisitely detailed and often erotic illustrations shocked and captivated Victorian society. Unlike many artists who toiled in obscurity, Beardsley achieved fame almost overnight with his illustrations for Thomas Malory's *Le Morte d'Arthur* in 1893. His distinctive style, characterised by bold black lines, intricate patterns, and a decadent sensibility, quickly made him one of the most sought-after artists of his day.
Biography
Despite his success, Beardsley's career was tragically cut short by tuberculosis, which he battled for much of his adult life. This awareness of mortality arguably fuelled his artistic output, resulting in a prolific body of work that included illustrations for Oscar Wilde's *Salome*, *The Yellow Book*, and *The Savoy*. Beardsley's illustrations for *Salome*, in particular, are some of his most iconic and provocative, showcasing his mastery of line and his fascination with the macabre.
Though he died at the young age of 25, Aubrey Beardsley left an indelible mark on the art world. His influence can be seen in the work of later artists and designers, and his images continue to fascinate and disturb viewers today. Owning a Beardsley print is not just about possessing a beautiful object; it's about embracing the daring spirit of a true artistic rebel.
Timeline
- 1872Born in Brighton, England
- 1893Illustrations for *Le Morte d'Arthur* brought overnight fame
- 1893Illustrated Oscar Wilde's *Salome*
- 1894Work featured in *The Yellow Book*
- 1896Work featured in *The Savoy*
- 1898Died of tuberculosis at age 25
Notable Works
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Where to See Aubrey Beardsley
4 museums worldwide.
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2 worksTate
Tate Britain, United Kingdom
- 1 works
National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, United Kingdom
Aubrey Beardsley prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Aubrey Beardsley's body of work.
Isolde - Aubrey Beardsley
From £28.00
Merlin and Nimue - Aubrey Beardsley
From £28.00
Pierrot in a Library - Aubrey Beardsley
From £28.00
Frontispiece for 'Venus and Tannhäuser' - Aubrey Beardsley
From £37.00
A Christmas Card - Aubrey Beardsley
From £28.00
The Woman in the Moon - Aubrey Beardsley
From £25.20
Related Artists
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See all Aubrey Beardsley prints →Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aubrey Beardsley born?
Aubrey Beardsley was born in 1872 and died in 1898.What art movement was Aubrey Beardsley part of?
Aubrey Beardsley was associated with Symbolism.What is Aubrey Beardsley known for?
Aubrey Beardsley is known for aubrey Beardsley was a brilliant and provocative artist whose decadent illustrations defined the Aestheticism movement before his tragic early death.
Sources
Editorial draws on the following primary and tertiary references for Aubrey Beardsley.
- [1] museum National Gallery Used for: museum holdings.
- [2] museum Yale Center for British Art Used for: museum holdings.
- [3] museum National Gallery of Art Used for: museum holdings.
- [4] museum Tate Used for: museum holdings.
- [5] book Howard Simon, 500 Years of Illustration Used for: biography.
- [6] book Jean Lahor, Art Nouveau Used for: biography.
- [7] book Charlotte Ashby, Art nouveau _ art, architecture and design in transformation Used for: biography.
Editorial overseen by Solis Prints. Sources verified 2026-07-02. Click a source for details, or hover over [N] in the page above to preview.
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