“Third Tableau,” created by artist Aubrey Beardsley in 1896, is a lithographic work belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls within the illustration genre. The artwork is part of a private collection.
The artwork showcases Beardsley’s distinctive style, characterized by intricate line work and sharp contrast between light and dark. At the center, a delicately drawn figure draped in flowing, sinuous fabric stands out against a densely detailed, dark background. The figure’s expression and gesture suggest a moment of intense emotion or interaction. Flanking the figure are other darkly clad entities, one seemingly human with a sinister expression and another amorphous, shadowy presence with luminescent eyes. This piece exemplifies the combination of elegance and eerie atmosphere often found in Beardsley’s illustrations, reflecting both the aesthetic and thematic concerns of the Art Nouveau movement.
