The artwork, titled “Poster advertising ‘A Comedy of Sighs’, a play by John Todhunter,” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1894. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of posters.
The artwork features a design that is intricate and striking, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. Dominated by a palette of mostly blue, yellow, and green hues, it displays a stylized female figure cloaked in an elaborate garment adorned with polka dots. The figure’s slender form stands juxtaposed against a background filled with similar dots, creating a distinctive visual pattern that draws the viewer’s eye. The typography used for the title “Avenue Theatre” and “A Comedy of Sighs!” is whimsical yet elegant, further emphasizing the modernist influence. The text within the artwork provides details about the play, listing actors’ names, scene settings, and additional performance information. This poster reflects Beardsley’s unique artistic vision and his significant contribution to the Art Nouveau movement.