Aubrey Beardsley

Date of Birth: August 21, 1872

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 16, 1898

Biography

Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an influential English illustrator and author, born on August 21, 1872, in Brighton, England. He is best known for his black and white illustrations that epitomize the Art Nouveau style. Beardsley’s work was characterized by its erotic and grotesque elements, as well as its striking use of line and negative space. His most notable contributions include illustrations for Oscar Wilde’s play “Salome” and Sir Thomas Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur.” Beardsley’s career was brief but impactful. He began gaining recognition in the early 1890s and quickly became a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement. In addition to his artwork, Beardsley was a co-founder and art editor of the influential magazine “The Yellow Book,” which became synonymous with the avant-garde art and literature of the time. Unfortunately, Beardsley’s health was fragile; he suffered from tuberculosis, which led to his untimely death at the age of 25. Despite his short life, Beardsley’s legacy endures, and his work continues to influence artists and designers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Aubrey Beardsley

1. Aubrey Beardsley was only 20 years old when he rose to fame as an illustrator.

2. He was a significant figure in the Aesthetic Movement and Symbolist art.

3. Beardsley’s work often contained controversial and erotic themes, which shocked and captivated audiences.

4. He converted to Roman Catholicism shortly before his death and reportedly requested that his more erotic works be destroyed.

5. Despite his short career, Beardsley remains one of the most influential artists of the Art Nouveau period.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Aubrey Beardsley

1. “I have one aim—the grotesque. If I am not grotesque, I am nothing.”

2. “The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books.”

3. “It is not wise to find symbols in everything that one sees. It makes life too full of terrors.”

4. “Beauty is as relative as light and dark, and the mere presence of either is enough to change the whole aspect of things.”

5. “There is no such thing as an omen. Destiny does not send us heralds. She is too wise or too cruel for that.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Aubrey Beardsley’s highest net worth is difficult to estimate due to the historical context and the lack of comprehensive financial records from his time. However, his works have fetched high prices at auctions, and his influence and legacy in the art world are invaluable.