Aubrey Beardsley

by Robert Baldwin Ross

Near Fine/Very Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. First edition bound in orange decorated cloth, 85 b&w illustrations, 112 pages. Book about fine, Dj has small frays at the spine tips and some rubbing on the rear panel.

Genres: Art, History, Biography, Nonfiction, LGBT

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Robert Baldwin "Robbie" Ross was a Canadian journalist and art critic. He is best known as the executor of the estate of Oscar Wilde, to whom he had been a lifelong friend. He was also responsible for bringing together several great literary figures, such as Siegfried Sassoon, and acting as their mentor. His open homosexuality in a time when homosexual acts were illegal brought him many hardships.

Ross was able to rely on an allowance and inheritance from his wealthy family to support himself, leaving him free to pursue his interests. His main contribution to literature lies in his work as Wilde's executor, and as Wilde's friend in reading Wilde's texts and, if Ross is to be believed, frequently suggesting changes and improvements. He worked without pay for many years for a small art gallery run by friends and in this capacity travelled in order to purchase works. At one time he hoped to be selected for a royal position, but was rejected, probably due to his connection to Wilde.

Parallel with his work as Wilde's literary executor, Ross tried his hand as a writer and art critic and provided an introduction to Wilde's play Salome. His literary output is small, though, and he authored one book worth a mention, namely Masques and Phases, a collection of previously published short stories and reviews. As an art critic, Ross was highly critical of the post-impressionist painters.

Reviews

[Ellen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful drawings. I esp love the edges of the page where leaves and vines weave together like Celtic patterns. it is amazing the amount of work he did before dying at age 25. wonder if I can get the version of Le Morte d'arthur with his illustrations to look at. My New Year's resolution was to spend more time immersing myself in beauty, art, music, nature, so I'll be getting lots of art books from the library.

[Leonard Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more of a hagiography than a biography, Ross' small book from the late '60s is overly appreciative, light on style, and seemingly written below its readership. But it's saved by some interesting historical details and tons of original Beardsley illustrations and some fine iconography by Aymer Wallace.

[Nate D]

This has to be the most in-depth Beardsley collection I've run into -- nearly 500 plates, all before he died of tuberculosis at 25 in 1898. Essential.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odd to think now that this icon of cool art was virtually forgotten until the 1960’s. This book catalogues a giant exhibition of Aubrey Beardsley’s work that brought about his rebirth as an influential artist. As a child of the 70’s, I saw his work (or it’s imitators) everywhere—I knew I liked his work before I knew his name. This highly annotated edition also works as the impromptu biography of an artist who died tragically young at 25. This of course adds to the cool factor of his work—otherwise art from the 1890’s might be hard pressed to find an audience. Reading this book I was wowed from page to page. Of course, being so inclusive this collection includes his lessor works but they work to highlight his growth or offer a glance into his psyche. A fascinating rummage through a brief glorious creative life begging the question of what might have been.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, the jones started here and went like this: Michelangelo>Homer>Beardsley>Mucha>Psychedelic graphics>J.Johns>Rauchenberg>Siegel>Wessleman>Estes>Botticelli>PreRapaelites>Rosenquist>Bronzino>Perino del Vaga Salviati>Pontormo>Parmagianino and the architects Wright, Peruzzi, Sangallo, Bramante>Buontalenti>... plane tickets and good times.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly looked at the paintings mostly but it was fascinating to learn more about Beardsley. He's an amazing artist and I didn't realize how talented he was in other areas of his life. An excellent musician as well.

[reveurdart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the catalogue for the exhibition that revived interest in Aubrey Beardsley. Many were inspired by it, but my favourite thing is still the fashion/art tribute pages in LIFE magazine from 1967. This author later published a much expanded book on Aubrey Beardsley which I've also read.

[Ronald Seery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Convoluted use of English. A disservice to Beardsley.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Robert truly must've been Aubreys biggest fan.

[Michelle Santamaria]

cool pictures!