The artwork, titled “Cinesias Entreating Myrrhina to Coition,” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1896. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is classified as a genre painting. This distinguished piece is housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, UK.
The artwork portrays a scene imbued with intricate detail emblematic of Beardsley’s style. The composition features a dynamic interaction between the figures of Cinesias and Myrrhina. Myrrhina is depicted with elaborate attire and an expressive posture, characterized by her flowing patterned robe and luxuriant hair adorned with floral elements. Her stance and backward glance suggest a narrative element intrinsic to the scene. The juxtaposition of the finely detailed textiles against the starkness of the bodies highlights Beardsley’s masterful use of black and white contrast. The imagery conveys a compelling expression of the entreaty and the allure, capturing a moment of intimate drama in the Art Nouveau aesthetic.
