The artwork titled “How Queen Guenever rode on Maying I” was created by the renowned artist Aubrey Beardsley between 1893 and 1894. This illustration is a quintessential piece from the Art Nouveau movement, and it currently resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, UK.
This illustration depicts an elaborate and elegant scene set in a medieval context. Central to the composition is Queen Guenever, who is elegantly attired and riding a horse. She is accompanied by other figures, potentially her attendants, also on horseback. The scene is framed by an intricate border of floral motifs and organic patterns typical of the Art Nouveau style. The use of stark black and white contrasts enhances the detailed linework and the ornate patterns, creating a visually arresting and sophisticated piece that captures the romanticism and stylized aesthetics of the era.
