The artwork, titled “Incipit Vita Nova,” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1893. This piece belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of design.
The artwork depicts a striking, contrast-rich scene characterized by its distinct symbolic elements and intricate line work. On the left, a figure with elaborate hair adorned with geometric patterns gazes towards the right. The phrase “Incipit Vita Nova,” translated as “A New Life Begins,” is prominently featured on an open book held by a cherubic toddler-like figure on the right. The background contains abstract, flowing patterns, enhancing the ethereal and otherworldly ambiance inherent in Beardsley’s Art Nouveau style. The use of limited color palette, predominantly in shades of black and gold, emphasizes the delicate details and profound motifs embedded within the design.
