Posted on Dec 19, 2024
SGT James Murphy
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Aubrey Vincent Beardsley was an influential English illustrator and author, born on August 21, 1872, in Brighton, England, and died at the young age of 25 on March 16, 1898. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life:

Beardsley was born into a middle-class family. His health was fragile from childhood, suffering from tuberculosis which would eventually contribute to his early death.
He showed an early aptitude for drawing and art, influenced by his education at Brighton, Grove House School, and later at Bristol Grammar School.


Artistic Career:

Style: Beardsley is best known for his distinctive black and white illustrations characterized by intricate, linear designs with a strong contrast between light and dark areas. His work is often associated with the Art Nouveau and Aestheticism movements, though his style was uniquely his own, often described as decadent or grotesque.
Works:
He gained fame with his illustrations for Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory, which was published by J. M. Dent in 1893-1894. These illustrations were pivotal in establishing his reputation.
His most famous works include illustrations for Oscar Wilde's play Salome (1894), where his provocative and erotic art matched the play's theme.
Beardsley also contributed to "The Yellow Book," a leading British literary periodical of the 1890s, which became synonymous with the "decadent" movement.
Literary Contributions: Besides his art, Beardsley wrote essays and stories, often with a satirical or ironic tone. His literary works include "Under the Hill," an unfinished erotic novel.


Influence and Legacy:

Beardsley's art was controversial in his time for its perceived decadence and explicitness, but it significantly influenced modern graphic design and illustration. His work has been admired for its technical skill, wit, and the way it challenged Victorian morals.
His life and work have been subjects of numerous exhibitions, books, and studies, reflecting his lasting impact on art.
Personal Life: Known for his wit, Beardsley's personal life was as colorful and controversial as his art. He converted to Roman Catholicism on his deathbed, which was a surprising move given his association with the bohemian and sometimes scandalous art scene of London.


Beardsley's short life was marked by prolific output, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its innovation and boldness in the visual arts.
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Responses: 4
LTC Stephen C.
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Edited 3 d ago
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Extraordinary artist, SGT James Murphy! I bought these two volumes of his illustrations over 40 years ago!
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SGT James Murphy
SGT James Murphy
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Yup, I have this one and the other white cover book with his work in it.
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SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
SFC Jo Ann Klawitter
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I got a different app and I’m learning how to use it so I can’t figure out how to read
The post that everybody sends me
I didn’t ask for a different app. I don’t know how it got on my app.
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SGT James Murphy
SGT James Murphy
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Oh. So you're using a phone to access Rallypoint? I'm on a PC here in the lab.
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SGT James Murphy
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Beardsley-the-peacock-skirt-1893
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LTC David Brown
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Thank you for sharing. I had never heard of Beardsley!
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SGT James Murphy
SGT James Murphy
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Yes he's what they call a Pointilist. . pointillism Pointillism is an artistic technique where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of pointillism:

Origins and Development

Emergence: Pointillism emerged in the late 19th century, particularly associated with the Neo-Impressionist movement.
Pioneers: Georges Seurat and Paul Signac are often credited with developing and popularizing this technique. Seurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" (1884-1886) is one of the most famous examples of pointillism.


Technique and Theory

Dot Application: Instead of blending colors on the canvas, artists apply pure, unmixed colors in tiny dots or strokes. When viewed from a distance, these dots blend optically in the viewer's eye, creating the illusion of vibrant, luminous colors.
Color Theory: Pointillism is grounded in the contemporary understanding of color theory, particularly the ideas of simultaneous contrast and optical mixing. This means that the interaction of colors next to each other can enhance or alter the perception of each color.


Characteristics

Precision: It requires meticulous attention to detail and patience, as each dot must be precisely placed.
Color Vibration: The juxtaposition of complementary colors can create a shimmering effect or "vibration" that makes the painting appear more luminous than traditional blending methods.
Impact on Perception: The technique affects how the viewer perceives the painting; up close, it looks like an abstract pattern of dots, but from afar, a cohesive image emerges.


Influence and Legacy

Art Movements: Pointillism influenced various art movements, including Fauvism and Divisionism, where similar principles were used but with different emphases.
Modern Use: While not as prevalent, the technique is still used today, often in digital art where pixel art can be seen as a modern form of pointillism.


Cultural Impact

Public Reception: Initially, pointillism was met with skepticism or derision due to its departure from traditional painting techniques, but over time, it has been recognized for its innovative approach to color and form.


Pointillism not only changed how artists thought about color and technique but also how viewers engage with art, requiring them to move and adjust their distance to fully experience the painting's effects.
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