Collection Summary
Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Beardsley, Aubrey,
1872-1898
Aubrey Beardsley Art
Collection
1890-1960 (bulk 1890-1898).
124 items
The Beardsley Collection consists of
drawings, illustrations, lithographs, and reproductions of Beardsley’s work.
Beardsley’s illustrations are found in Salome by
Oscar Wilde, Lucian’s True History and Tales of Edgar Allan Poe. Many of the drawings are
scenes of women and many of the works are initialed and inscribed.
English and
French
Art Collection AR-00018
Acquisition:
Purchase, 1965-1978
Access:
Open for research. Please note that a minimum of 24 hours notice is required to pull
art materials to the Ransom Center's Reading and Viewing Room. Some materials may be
restricted from viewing. To make an appointment or to reserve art materials, please
contact the Center's staff at art@hrc.utexas.edu.
Jill Morena, 2017
Biographical Sketch
Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was born in Brighton, England, on 21 August 1872 and showed
early artistic ability, acting and playing in concerts with his sister Mabel and
producing drawings of recognized merit. The Beardsley family's means were modest,
and by 1888 Aubrey had quit school to work as a clerk. At the age of nineteen
Beardsley embarked on a career as an illustrator, and with the encouragement of
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes in France and Joseph Pennell in England he quickly made a
name for himself. His fame was ensured with the publication of the Dent edition of
Malory's
Le Morte D'Arthur in 1892, and by the
following year the Beardsley boom was in full
flower.
In 1894 Beardsley became the art editor of
The Yellow
Book under the general editorship of Oscar Wilde, but his advancing
tuberculosis and Wilde's arrest put an end to that satirical periodical before 1895
was out. Beardsley's increasingly poor health forced his move across several health
resorts, but under the patronage of André Raffalovich he continued, despite severe
difficulties, to produce his drawings. In 1896 alone he created numerous
illustrations for The Savoy, The Rape of the Lock, and Lysistrata
During 1897 Aubrey Beardsley's health continued to decline as serious work became
increasingly difficult and his creative output dwindled. He died at Menton, France,
on 16 March 1898.
Scope and Contents
The Beardsley Collection consists of drawings, illustrations, lithographs, and
reproductions of Beardsley’s work. Beardsley’s illustrations are found in
Salome by Oscar Wilde, Lucian’s
True History, and Tales of Edgar Allan
Poe. A handful of items are either copies, or of questionable
attribution (65.190; 65.275.1-7). The collection was formed by Dr. Severn and
purchased by the University in the 1960s from Bertram Rota.
There is a collection of letters in the Aubrey Beardsley Collection (MS-00287), two
proof photolithographs by Beardsley for
Lucian's True
History, one sketch, and one print in the James F. Drake, Inc. Art
Collection. The materials located in the Drake collection are described in this
finding aid (65.520.1587; 65.520.1588.1-16; 65.520.1589).
There are three items--a pocket knife, a paper cutter, and an agate seal--present in
the Personal Effects collection.
Index Terms
People
Clark, J.B.
Strang, William, 1859-1921.
Organizations
James F. Drake, Inc.
Subjects
Monsters.
Supernatural beings.
Women.
Item List
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.190
Dreams, a reproduction from Lucian's True
History,
ca. 1894.
Drawings: ink and wash, 15.4 x 11.4
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.1
Women golfing,
1894.
Drawings: pen and ink, 22.9 x 13.3
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.2
Woman with extinguished candle and insects,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 28.7 x 21.6 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.3
Lady in a flower print dress,
ca. 1893.
Drawings: pen and ink, 17.1 x 10.5
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.4
Cover design for House of Sin,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: pen and ink, 16.5 x 13.7
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.5
Lady in long dress with muff,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: pen and ink, 17.3 x 13.2
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.6
Lady with earring holding vine,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: pen and ink, 17.3 x 12.4
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.275.7
Satyr and woman,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 26.5 x 20.6 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.1a
The Murders in the Rue Morgue, from the Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.1b
The Murders in the Rue Morgue, from the Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.3a
The Mask of Red Death, from the Tales of
Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 19.8 x 12.5
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.3b
The Mask of Red Death, from the Tales of
Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 19.8 x 12.5
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.4a
The Black Cat, from the Tales of Edgar
Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.4b
The Black Cat, from the Tales of Edgar
Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.6a
The Fall of the House of Usher, from the Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.276.6b
The Fall of the House of Usher, from the Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,
ca. 1890s.
Photolithographs, 20.6 x 13
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.277.1
Juvenal Scourging Woman,
1906.
Line photoengraving, 33.3 x 22.7
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.277.2
Bathyllus in the swan dance,
1906.
Line photoengraving, 34.1 x 22.8
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.277.3
Bathyllus Posturing,
1906.
Line photoengraving, 33.9 x 22.9
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.277.4
Lucian's strange creatures,
1906.
Line photoengraving,
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.277.5
Birth from the calf of the leg,
1906.
Line photoengraving, 34 x 22.9
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.1
Mademoiselle de Maupin, from Romance de
Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 38.1 x 27.9 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.2
D'Albert--A Vignette, from Romance de
Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 39.8 x 29.2 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.3
D'Albert in Search of His Ideals, from Romance de Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 39.8 x 29.2 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.4
The Lady at the Dressing Table, from Romance de Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 39.8 x 29.2 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.5
The Lady with the Rose, from Romance de
Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 39.8 x 29.2 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
65.278.6
The Lady with Monkey, from Romance de
Mademoiselle de Maupin,
1898.
Photogravures, 39.8 x 29.2 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.1
Table of Contents for illustrations for Salome, by Oscar Wilde,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.2
The Woman in the Moon,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.3
Design for title page of Salome,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.4
Cover design for Salome,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.5
Design for the list of pictures for Salome,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.6
The Peacock Skirt,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.7
The Black Cape,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.8
A Platonic Lament ,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.9
John and Salome,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.10
Enter Herodias ,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.11
The Eyes of Herod,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.12
The Stomach Dance,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.13
The Toilette of Salome--I,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.14
The Toilette of Salome--II,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.15
The Dancer's Reward,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.16
The Climax,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.17
Salome on Settle,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 1
65.279.18
Cul de Lampe,
ca. 1890s.
Reproductions: Line photoengraving, 34.6 x 27 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1587
Two sketches on single sheet,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 22.1 x 28.4 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.1
Strang, William. After the Tempest, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.2
Clark, J.B. Adoration, Lucian's True
History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.3
"A Snare of Vintage", from Lucian's True
History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.4
Strang, William. Spiders of Mighty Bigness, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.5
Clark, J.B. The Battle of the Turnips, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.6
Strang, William. The Supper of Fish, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.7
Clark, J.B. Underpropping the Whale's Chops, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.8
Clark, J.B. Socrates' Garden, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.9
Strang, William. The Banquet of Beans, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.10
Clark, J.B. The Pillar of Berylstone, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.11
Strang, William. Owls and Poppies, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.12
Dreams, from Lucian's True
History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.13
Strang, William. The Halcyon's Nest, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.14
Clark, J.B. The Floating Forest, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.15
Strang, William. The Island of Women, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1588.16
Clark, J.B. Water Incarnadine, from Lucian's True History,
1894.
Photolithographs, 21.9 x 17
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
65.520.1589
Mrs. Pinchwife,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 30.2 x 24.8 cm.
Flat File
67.14.1
Advertisement for Keynote Series,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 47.9 x 34.3
cm.
Flat File
67.14.2
Advertisement for The Studio,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 74.9 x 50.3
cm.
Flat File
67.14.3
Advertisement for Pseudonym,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 78.7 x 55.9
cm.
Flat File
67.14.4
Advertisement for Spinster's Script,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 41.1 x 28.9
cm.
Flat File
67.14.5
Advertisement for Avenue Theatre,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 75.4 x 50.8
cm.
Flat File
67.14.6
Advertisement for The Yellow Book
advertisement,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 39.4 x 26.4
cm.
Flat File
67.14.7
Advertisement for The Yellow Book
advertisement,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 39.4 x 26.4
cm.
Flat File
67.14.8
Advertisement for Publisher Children's Books,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 75.4 x 50.8
cm.
Flat File
67.14.9
Black and yellow print of woman reading,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 63.5 x 29.2
cm.
Flat File
67.14.10
Advertisement for The Savoy,
ca. 1960s.
Color lithograph, 27.9 x 21.4
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
69.79.1
Decorative border for Le Morte
D'Arthur,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: ink and wash, 25.6 x 20
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
69.79.2
Peacocks and tree, for Le Morte
D'Arthur,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: pen and ink, 11.7 x 8.3
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
69.79.3
Knight in armor, for Le Morte
D'Arthur,
ca. 1890s.
Drawings: pen and ink, 12.1 x 8.3
cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 2
71.5.1
Christmas Card,
1901.
Lithographs 23.5 x 15.6 cm.
Flat File
78.230
Proof poster for Arms & The
Man, by George Bernard Shaw,
ca. 1890s.
Lithographs, 75.4 x 50.8 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.1
Lady playing a cello,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 12.5 x 8.6 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.2
Isolde,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 21.4 x 17.5 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.3a
The Kiss of Judas,
ca. 1893.
Prints, 24.3 x 16.4 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.3b
The Kiss of Judas,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 24.3 x 16.4 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.4
Merlin taketh the child Arthur into his keeping,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 23.7 x 19.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.5
Programme April 30,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.6
Plan of the Theatre,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.7
The Songs,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.8
Cambridge Theatre Saturday April 28,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.9
Programme,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.10
Man with bagpipes,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.11
Man reading at desk,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.12
Letter signed by Beardsley,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.13
Finis,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.14
xmas Eve at Dinley Dell,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.15
Cambridge Theatre, Jan xxI,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.16
Man of Honor,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.17
Songs,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.18
Grand Farce,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.19
Programme,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.20
Opinions of the Press on Cambridge Theatre,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.21
The Jolly Mashers,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.22
The Mistake,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.23
Songs sung during Charades,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.24
Finis Adieu,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.25
Programme Theatre of Varieties,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.26
The Legend of Beautiful,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.27
Songs,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.28
Songs,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.29
Monologue,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.30
Cambridge Theatre of Varieties,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 25.2 x 17.1 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.31
Two sketches,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 34 x 22.9 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.32
Lady in three-tiered dress,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 20.2 x 10.8 cm.
Beardsley, A., Box 3
78.252.33
Peacock,
ca. 1890s.
Prints, 14.8 x 8.4 cm.
Index of Works
- Lucian's True History--65.190; 65.277.4-5;
65.520.1588; 65.520.1588.1-16
- Le Morte D'Arthur--69.79; 69.79 1a-1b;
69.79.2-3
- Romance de Mademoiselle de Maupin--65.278;
65.279.1-6
- Salome--65.279; 65.279.1-18
- The Sixth Satire of Juvenal--65.277a;
65.277.1-3
- Tales of Edgar Allan Poe--65.276; 65.276.1a-1b;
65.276.3a-3b; 65.276.6a-6b