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Volpone Collection

"Volpone: A Tale of Deception and Greed" Step into the world of "Volpone" by Ben Jonson, a timeless play that explores the dark underbelly of human nature

Background imageVolpone Collection: Volpone by Ben Jonson Volpone by Ben Jonson

Volpone by Ben Jonson Volpone by Ben Jonson
Volpone by Ben Jonson. Poster for Federal Theatre Project presentation of Volpone at the Mayan Theatre, showing a skull with gold coins. Date between 1936 and 1941

Background imageVolpone Collection: Cover Design to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Cover Design to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Cover Design to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Cover of an edition of Ben Jonsons comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Volpone by Aubrey Beardsley

Volpone by Aubrey Beardsley
Volpone adoring his treasure, an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley to an edition of Ben Jonsons Volpone which was to be published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Title page of Volpone or the fox (1609) written by Ben Johnson, 1898 (engraving)

Title page of Volpone or the fox (1609) written by Ben Johnson, 1898 (engraving)
CUL4857712 Title page of Volpone or the fox (1609) written by Ben Johnson, 1898 (engraving) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98); (add.info.: designed by BEARDSLEY)

Background imageVolpone Collection: Mr Thomas Hull in the character of Voltore in Ben Jonsons Volpone, Covent Garden Theatre, 1771

Mr Thomas Hull in the character of Voltore in Ben Jonsons Volpone, Covent Garden Theatre, 1771
6337782 Mr Thomas Hull in the character of Voltore in Ben Jonsons Volpone, Covent Garden Theatre, 1771 by Pollard, R. (18th century); (add.info)

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter M for Volpone, 1898 (litho)

Initial Letter M for Volpone, 1898 (litho)
DGC288120 Initial Letter M for Volpone, 1898 (litho) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98); Private Collection; (add.info.: Aubrey Vincent Beardsley (1872 - 1898) was an English illustrator and author

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter V to Volpone, 1898 (litho)

Initial Letter V to Volpone, 1898 (litho)
DGC288103 Initial Letter V to Volpone, 1898 (litho) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98); Private Collection; (add.info.: Aubrey Vincent Beardsley (1872 - 1898) was an English illustrator and author

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter V (Satyr) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Initial Letter V (Satyr) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Satyr) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letters (Vulture) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Initial Letters (Vulture) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letters (Vulture) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter V (Column) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Initial Letter V (Column) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Column) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter M (Venus) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Initial Letter M (Venus) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter M (Venus) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Johnsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Initial Letter V (Elephant) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley

Initial Letter V (Elephant) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Elephant) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Background imageVolpone Collection: Volpone (lithograph)

Volpone (lithograph)
3097855 Volpone (lithograph) by Beardsley, Aubrey (1872-98) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Volpone. Digitally cleaned image.); © Look and Learn; English, out of copyright

Background imageVolpone Collection: Cartoon, Introduction of Citizen Volpone... at Paris

Cartoon, Introduction of Citizen Volpone... at Paris
Cartoon, Introduction of Citizen Volpone & his Suite at Paris, Vide The Moniteur, & Cobbetts Letters, by James Gillray. Showing Charles James Fox



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"Volpone: A Tale of Deception and Greed" Step into the world of "Volpone" by Ben Jonson, a timeless play that explores the dark underbelly of human nature. This captivating piece has been brought to life through various artistic interpretations, such as Aubrey Beardsley's intricate illustrations. First published in 1609, "Volpone" tells the story of a cunning fox who feigns illness to deceive his wealthy acquaintances. The title page from Johnson's original work showcases the allure and mystery surrounding this complex character. In 1771, Mr Thomas Hull took on the role of Voltore at Covent Garden Theatre, embodying the treacherous lawyer with remarkable skill. His performance breathed life into Volpone's manipulative schemes and showcased his insatiable desire for wealth. Beardsley's lithographs add another layer to this tale, capturing both its darkness and sensuality. From initial letters depicting satyrs and vultures to columns symbolizing power and elephants representing strength, these illustrations evoke a sense of intrigue that mirrors Volpone's deceptive nature. The cover design created by Beardsley further entices readers into this world filled with duplicity. Its intricate details hint at the complexity within each character while leaving room for interpretation. As you delve deeper into "Volpone, " be prepared for an exploration of human greed and moral corruption. Through Jonson's masterful writing and Beardsley's evocative artistry, you will witness a captivating tale unfold before your eyes – one that continues to resonate with audiences even today.