The artwork, titled “Design for a Frontispiece to ‘Virgilius the Sorcerer’,” is a lithograph by Aubrey Beardsley, a prominent figure in the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. Categorized as an illustration, this piece is housed within a private collection.
Depicting a fantastical scene, the artwork features a sorcerer clad in an intricately detailed robe adorned with elaborate floral and avian motifs. The sorcerer appears to be performing a magical act, captured mid-gesture, with one hand holding an open book and the other arm raised in an incantatory pose. The artist employs a stark contrast between black and white to emphasize the elaborate designs on the sorcerer’s flowing robe, which is replete with naturalistic elements and swirling patterns. The expression on the sorcerer’s face is one of intense concentration, adding to the mystical and enigmatic atmosphere of the piece. The composition is framed by a delicate border, enhancing the ornamental quality characteristic of Beardsley’s work within the Art Nouveau genre.
