The artwork titled “Et in Arcadio Ego” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1896 using the medium of lithography. This piece falls within the Art Nouveau movement, specifically classified as an illustration, and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a finely dressed man with a cane, standing amidst a verdant setting of blossoming flowers and trees. His attention is fixed on a tall, classical urn to the right, engraved with the phrase “ET IN ARCADIA EGO.” The scene is rendered in black and white, showcasing Beardsley’s characteristic use of intricate lines and contrast, imparting a sense of both elegance and subtle melancholy, emblematic of the Art Nouveau style. The man’s posture and the detailed foliage contribute to the overall formal and refined composition.
