Who painted Withered Spring?

Withered Spring was painted by Aubrey Beardsley in 1885.

Where can I see Withered Spring?

Withered Spring is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Withered Spring?

Withered Spring is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Withered Spring?

Museum-quality prints of Withered Spring are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Withered Spring

Aubrey Beardsley , 1885

Withered Spring is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Aubrey Beardsley. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in image at lower center, in black ink: WITHERED SPRING; in image at center, ARS / LUN / GA; on verso, at center in graphite: [?] Thurnam / 2 [fl...?] / 5h; on verso, at lower right, in graphite: RS 346
Markings: Marked:on verso, stamped in black ink: Lessing J. Rosenwald [Lugt 1760b]

About this work

Overview

Withered Spring is a drawing created by Aubrey Vincent Beardsley in 1885. It is executed in pen and black ink with white highlights over a graphite underdrawing.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman seated in a barren wooded area, wrapped in a cloak and holding a branch or staff, with a castle on a hill behind her. The title Withered Spring suggests a dying or moribund season, evoking themes of decay and possibly melancholy.

Technique & Style

Beardsley's use of pen and black ink with white highlights creates a stark, graphic image. The technique of cross-hatching is evident in the drawing, where layers of lines build up to create shading and texture, contributing to the overall black-and-white aesthetic reminiscent of Japanese woodcuts and storybook illustrations.

Context

Withered Spring is characteristic of Beardsley's work, which often explored themes of the grotesque and the erotic. As a leading figure in the aesthetic movement, Beardsley's style influenced the development of Art Nouveau and poster art.