Coiffing 1896

Aubrey Beardsley crafted "Coiffing" using pen and ink, a medium that lends itself beautifully to the exploration of intricate symbolism. Here, we observe a scene steeped in the visual language of decadence. The elaborate coiffure isn't merely a hairstyle; it’s a symbol of vanity and the performative nature of beauty. Note the figure in the background, perched atop the dresser like a deity overseeing the ritual of grooming. This motif echoes throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian depictions of cosmetic rituals to the Rococo era's obsession with elaborate dressing scenes. Consider the mask held by the central figure. It suggests a hidden self, a duality that reminds us of the theatrical masks of antiquity, representing different facets of the human psyche. Beardsley masterfully engages our collective memory, tapping into the subconscious anxieties and desires associated with identity and appearance. It’s a dance of surfaces and depths, reflecting the complex interplay between inner turmoil and outward display.