The artwork titled “No. 2” by Aubrey Beardsley, created in 1896, is an exemplary piece belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is categorized under the genre of design. The artwork was published as part of “The Savoy,” an illustrated quarterly periodical in April 1896.
The artwork is a meticulously detailed black and white illustration that prominently features a lavish, intricately decorated interior scene. At the forefront, several figures are depicted engaging in a seemingly relaxed yet poised manner. The central figures include elegantly dressed women and a child, suggesting a scene of refined domesticity or social gathering. The background showcases ornate furnishings, including decorated walls, a grand mirror, a clock, and a finely detailed table. With its elaborate detailing and swirling forms, the artwork captures the essence of the Art Nouveau style, highlighting Beardsley’s signature use of bold lines and stylized forms to create an interplay of light and shadow.