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The Peacock Skirt
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The Peacock Skirt
The Peacock Skirt, an illustration from Salome by Oscar Wilde, 1894. Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898). Date: 1894
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14286501
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Aubrey Beardsley Feathers Nouveau Peacock Plays Salome Skirt Wilde
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Peacock Skirt," an exquisite illustration from Oscar Wilde's play "Salome," created by the renowned artist Aubrey Beardsley in 1894, is a captivating work of art that embodies the essence of the Art Nouveau movement. This illustration, which depicts the titular character Salome wearing an extravagant peacock-feather skirt, is a visual representation of the play's themes of decadence, sensuality, and the human obsession with beauty. Wilde's "Salome," a controversial play based on the biblical story of Herodias' daughter, premiered in London in 1893 and caused a scandal due to its explicit portrayal of sexuality and violence. Beardsley's illustrations for the play, including "The Peacock Skirt," were published in the Parisian journal "Le Mercure de France" and helped to solidify his reputation as a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement. The illustration showcases Beardsley's distinctive style, characterized by his intricate line work, bold use of black and white, and his ability to convey a sense of otherworldliness and decadence. The peacock skirt itself is a visual feast, with its cascading layers of vibrant, iridescent feathers that seem to shimmer and shift in the light. Salome's expression is one of intense desire and seduction, her body language and the way she holds the peacock's head emphasizing her power and allure. "The Peacock Skirt" is not only a beautiful work of art, but it also serves as a visual complement to Wilde's play and a testament to the artistic collaboration between the two men. The illustration continues to captivate audiences today, serving as a reminder of the power of art to provoke, inspire, and delight.
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