The artwork titled “Bathyllus taking the pose” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1896. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is categorized as a genre painting. This piece is currently housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, UK.
The artwork features a stylized depiction of a nude figure, identified as Bathyllus, striking a dramatic, almost theatrical pose. The strong, clean lines characteristic of Aubrey Beardsley’s work are prominent here, emphasizing the contours and forms of the human body with a sense of fluidity and elegance. The figure commands the space with an air of confidence and grace, underlined by the simplicity and starkness of the composition. The minimalistic background, paired with the bold black outline of the figure, draws the viewer’s focus entirely onto the subject, showcasing Beardsley’s mastery in capturing both form and expression through his distinctive linear technique.
