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Volpone by Aubrey Beardsley
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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. Beardsley died before he could complete the series of illustrations planned, but Smithers used this drawing as a prospectus for the book. Date: 1898
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Media ID 7240691
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1898 Adoring Aubrey Beardsley Decadent Greed Jonson Lust Treasure Volpone
EDITORS COMMENTS
Volpone's Ravishing Desire: Aubrey Beardsley's Decadent Illustration of Greed and Lust (1898) This image, titled "Volpone Adoring His Treasure," is an illustration by the renowned British artist Aubrey Beardsley for an edition of Ben Jonson's Volpone, published by Leonard Smithers in 1898. Beardsley, a leading figure of the Decadent movement in the late 19th century, was known for his innovative and provocative use of line and form, as well as his exploration of themes of morbidity, sensuality, and the supernatural. Volpone, the central character in Jonson's satirical play, is a cunning and deceitful old man who feigns illness to lure the wealthy and gullible into leaving him their fortunes. In this illustration, Beardsley depicts Volpone in a moment of unabashed adoration for his ill-gotten gains, surrounded by an array of exotic treasures. The artist masterfully employs his distinctive black line work and intricate patterns to create a sense of opulence and decadence, while the use of rich colors adds to the allure and seduction of the scene. Tragically, Beardsley did not live to complete the series of illustrations planned for the Volpone edition, as he died in 1898, just before the book was published. However, Smithers used this drawing as a prospectus for the project, showcasing the artist's unique vision and enticing potential readers with a glimpse into the decadent world of Volpone. This image remains a testament to Beardsley's artistic genius and his enduring influence on the literary and artistic landscape of the late 1800s.
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