Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898)

Aubrey Beardsley

The Battle of the Beaux and the Belles

London, about 1896

Pen and black ink

25.7 x 17.6 cm

This drawing was published in the 1896 edition of Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock (1714).

Beardsley’s drawing illustrates the moment the heroine Belinda attacks the Baron (opposite) with her fan after discovering he has cut and stolen a lock of her hair during their game of cards (Canto V: 75-102). The clothing worn by the subjects portray a range of styles in vogue in England in the eighteenth century.

Beardsley’s nine illustrations for this edition of Rape of the Lock were enthusiastically received by the British press before his untimely death in 1898.

Purchased in 1952 (No. 52.5)

WORKS ON PAPER

We show a rotating selection of works on paper in our two dedicated exhibition spaces. If you wish to view a work not currently on display, you can make an appointment to see it in the Prints and Drawings Study Room, which is equipped with lecterns and a study/seminar table.

The study room is open to students, scholars, and members of the general public, individually or in small groups, by prior appointment only. The room has tables and chairs to facilitate private study or seminars.