“Withered Spring,” created by artist Aubrey Beardsley, is an illustration belonging to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The artwork is currently located in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US. The piece portrays an intricate and detailed scene rendered in black and white.
The artwork depicts a melancholic figure in flowing garments seated amidst dense foliage and organic motifs, synonymous with the Art Nouveau style. The figure’s attire appears voluminous and elaborately adorned, indicative of the artistic period’s fascination with heightened aesthetics. The background features a landscape where trees and a castle-like structure are visible, contributing to the scene’s ethereal and somewhat somber atmosphere. The title of the piece, “Withered Spring,” is inscribed at the bottom, hinting at themes of desolation and decline, which are echoed by the overall composition and intricate linework of the illustration.
