No. 1 1896

This is Aubrey Beardsley’s cover design for the first issue of The Savoy, made in 1896. Notice the enigmatic woman who commands our attention. She leads a peculiar, mischievous dog-like creature, whose form is vaguely reminiscent of ancient satyrs or perhaps a domestic pet infused with playful, pagan spirits. This recalls the Dionysian revels, motifs of intoxication, ecstasy, and untamed nature, connecting to the archaic roots of theater and ritual. The baton carried by the creature reminds us of the thyrsus, a symbol of prosperity and fertility, and the presence of an idyllic temple in the background adds a layer of classical allusion. Consider the lasting power of these figures: from ancient bacchanals to contemporary art, these images resurface, revealing how deeply humanity is connected to pleasure. The combination of classical and decadent motifs invites us to explore the psychological depths of desire and the interplay between control and chaos.