The artwork titled “Merlin Taketh the Child Arthur into His Keeping,” created by artist Aubrey Beardsley between 1893 and 1894, exemplifies the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and belongs to the genre of illustration.
This illustration depicts a scene immersed in dense foliage, where several figures are centrally positioned among intricately detailed vegetation. At the forefront, Merlin bends slightly to receive the infant Arthur, held by a robed figure, while another figure witnesses the exchange. To the right, two armored soldiers observe the proceedings. The elaborate border, adorned with intertwining vines and leaves, frames the entire scene, enhancing its ornate intricacy characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. The bottom section of the border bears the title of the artwork. The scene captures a moment of transferal infused with mystical elements, echoing the legendary narrative of Arthurian lore.
