The artwork, entitled “No. 1,” was crafted by the distinguished artist Aubrey Beardsley in the year 1896. This piece belongs to the Art Nouveau movement, which is also known as Modern, and falls under the genre of design.
The artwork presents a monochromatic scene to most, dominated by sharp black lines and intricate detail, characteristic of Beardsley’s unique style. In the scene, a striking figure clad in historical attire stands in the foreground amid stylized flora. The figure is poised, gazing outward while holding a long, thin object. Below and slightly to the side of this figure, a cherubic child-like entity, donning a hat with an extended plume and carrying a staff, navigates through the dense garden. In the background, dense, detailed foliage creates a rich tapestry leading the eye towards a Greco-Roman styled temple structure nestled among the trees. The entire composition is framed by a border, and the upper portion prominently features the title “The Savoy” alongside the date of its first edition in January 1896. The bottom right corner holds the artist’s signature, lending an additional layer of authenticity and historical context to the piece.
