A Book of Fifty Drawings, front cover 

Aubrey Beardsley made this cover for *A Book of Fifty Drawings* using pen and ink, a common method for making printed illustrations at the time. He was a master of line, creating images with striking contrasts and elaborate detail. Notice how the solid blacks create a sense of depth and mystery, drawing you into the scene. The fluidity of the lines gives the image a sense of movement and energy, while the simplicity of the color palette enhances its graphic impact. Beardsley’s labor-intensive process, with its precise and controlled application of ink, reflects his commitment to craftsmanship. But it also suggests the growing role of print media in shaping turn-of-the-century visual culture, including advertising. Beardsley turned the traditional idea of drawing into something that could be reproduced on a mass scale, collapsing boundaries between art and commercial design. The image's aesthetic power lies in its material simplicity and Beardsley's skill, which allowed him to create something both beautiful and widely accessible.