Study for How a Devil in Woman’s Likeness Would Have Tempted Sir Bors 1893

Aubrey Beardsley’s 1893 "Study for How a Devil in Woman’s Likeness Would Have Tempted Sir Bors" is a striking black and white illustration. The artwork depicts a knight walking in a forest, while a group of women look down from a castle wall. This iconic image demonstrates Beardsley’s signature Art Nouveau style, emphasizing long flowing lines and a sense of the macabre. The dramatic interplay between the knight's isolation and the alluring gaze of the women hints at the artist's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature. The artwork is characterized by its bold lines and striking contrasts. This dramatic visual style, known as "Beardsleyesque," became synonymous with the decadent aesthetic of the late 19th century.