“Albert in search of his ideals” is a lithographic artwork created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1897. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is classified as a genre painting. The artwork is currently held in a private collection.
The lithograph depicts three figures who appear to be engaging in or part of an elaborate, possibly theatrical scene. The prominent figure on the left is dressed in an extravagant costume, complete with a wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers and a detailed lace outfit with elaborate patterns. This figure seems to be holding a baton or a staff, indicative of a dandy or a figure of nobility. To the right, there are two more figures; one of them, in the background, is a finely dressed woman in a flowing gown adorned with intricate patterns and a ribbon, striking a graceful pose. The third figure, positioned to the far right, is dressed in a more subdued outfit, carrying what appears to be a drum or a similar object. The scene exudes a sense of the theatrical and the whimsical, characteristic of Beardsley’s distinctive style, with a penchant for detailed line work and a slight touch of caricature.
