Bathyllus in the Swan Dance 1896

Aubrey Beardsley, associated with the Aesthetic movement of the late 19th century, created this ink drawing entitled *Bathyllus in the Swan Dance*. Beardsley’s image draws from antiquity. Bathyllus was a celebrated dancer during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. Here, the dancer is depicted nude save for a string of pearls, his pose sensuous, with a swan mirroring his curved form. Beardsley, who was queer, often explored themes of sexuality, gender ambiguity, and decadence in his art. Though he died very young, his works were part of a culture which challenged Victorian morality. The artist’s interest in androgyny and the fluidity of identity comes through in this piece. Beardsley uses line to convey a palpable sense of the erotic, which would resonate with many audiences today. The drawing invites us to think about the ways in which historical and cultural contexts shape our understanding of identity, sexuality, and the body. It is both historical and strikingly contemporary.