Self-portait 1894

This is a self-portrait made by Aubrey Beardsley in London, using pen and ink. It is a sketch that captures Beardsley's interest in the darker side of Victorian society. Beardsley made this drawing at a time when British art was very interested in beauty and morality. He was part of the Aesthetic movement, which challenged these ideas, focusing on the pursuit of pleasure. His images often questioned what was considered normal or acceptable by mainstream Victorian standards. Beardsley’s association with literary magazines like *The Yellow Book* is significant. These publications became platforms for challenging conventional artistic and literary norms, often pushing the boundaries of censorship and public taste. Looking at publications like these gives us a better understanding of Beardsley's place within the cultural debates of his time.