The artwork titled “Don Juan, Sganarelle and the Beggar” is an illustration created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1896. Executed in lithography, this piece is a part of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of illustration. Currently held in a private collection, this work reflects Beardsley’s distinctive artistic style and his contribution to the aesthetics of the period.
In the artwork, three figures are depicted: Don Juan, Sganarelle, and the Beggar. Beardsley’s use of black and white, marked by sharp contrasts and precise lines, creates an evocative scene. Don Juan stands in the center, adorned in a flowing garment with his hand extended towards the beggar. The beggar, positioned on the right, appears to be pleading or expressing gratitude, while Sganarelle, characterized by a pointed hat and a cane, stands on the left with a stern expression. The composition of the figures, combined with intricate details and deft use of space, embodies the elegance and drama characteristic of Beardsley’s work within the Art Nouveau movement.
