The Fall of the House of Usher 1895

Aubrey Beardsley made this drawing in pen and ink, and its stark monochrome palette reflects the printmaking techniques through which his work became widely known. Beardsley was a master of line, using its variations to create a sense of volume, texture, and movement, particularly in the figure's flowing cape and the delicate details of her attire. The intense contrast between black and white gives a dramatic effect, in keeping with the macabre themes of Edgar Allan Poe's story. Note how the seemingly simple lines create a rich interplay of light and shadow, lending depth and complexity to the image. While Beardsley was celebrated in his time, his work also challenged the rigid hierarchies of the art world, where drawing was often seen as secondary to painting or sculpture. With his embrace of print culture and illustration, Beardsley helped elevate these forms, and made them central to the aesthetic conversation of his time. In that way, he helped to redefine what art could be.