Adulterer 1897

Aubrey Beardsley made this drawing using ink on paper, a relatively inexpensive and easily accessible method. The starkness of the black ink against the white paper heightens the sense of drama and transgression. Beardsley was a master of line, using it to create intricate patterns and textures. Look at how he uses fine, delicate lines to define the figure's contours, and bolder, more assertive lines to create areas of shadow and depth. The application of ink on paper allows for a high level of detail and precision, which Beardsley exploits to create a sense of decadent sensuality. He’s part of the late 19th century Aesthetic movement, which challenged the Victorian establishment and embraced beauty for its own sake. Beardsley's work embodies this spirit, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art and society. The eroticism and theatricality of the image were shocking to contemporary audiences. This provocative imagery, combined with the skill of his draftsmanship, cemented Beardsley's reputation as a leading figure of the fin de siècle.