The artwork, titled “A Devil in Woman’s Likeness,” was created by Aubrey Beardsley in 1893. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) art movement and falls under the genre of illustration. This piece is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, located in Chicago, IL, US.
The artwork exhibits Beardsley’s characteristic illustrative style, marked by intricate detail and an expressive use of black and white contrast. It depicts several women leaning over the parapet of a castle tower, their expressions and appearances varying distinctly. The women’s elaborate hairstyles and detailed gowns are rendered with meticulous lines and shading. The composition is framed by a decorative black border, adorned with intricate, swirling floral motifs, enhancing the overall ornamental quality of the piece. This illustration exudes a sense of gothic elegance and mystery, typical of Beardsley’s work during the Art Nouveau period.
