II. Vignette to the Argument. Initial letter V, with column and tasselled attachments to the capital. This and the remaining designs were executed in pen and crayon.
III. Vignette to Act I. Initial letter V, with an elephant, having a basket of fruits on his back. (Property of Herbert J. Pollit, Esq.)
IV. Vignette to Act II. Initial letter S, with a monster bird, having a pearl chain attached to its head. (Property of Herbert J. Pollit, Esq.)
V. Vignette to Act III. Initial letter M, with seated Venus and Cupid under a canopy, between two fantastic gynæcomorphic columns. (Property of Herbert J. Pollit, Esq.)
Vignette to Act IV. (The same as the design for Act II. repeated.)
VI. Vignette to Act V. Initial letter V, with a horned terminal figure of a man or satyr. (Property of Herbert J. Pollit, Esq.)
All these Volpone designs were reproduced in "Later Work." Drawn at the close of 1897 and early part of 1898, they constitute the latest designs produced by Aubrey Beardsley before his death.
In his published List, Mr A. E. Gallatin mentions several sketches and other drawings in private letters which, for lack of detailed information, I have not included in my List. Many of Aubrey Beardsley's drawings are constantly changing hands. In each case the name of the last known owner is given. Where no owner's name appears, no information has been obtainable. Some of the finest drawings, I am informed upon good authority, have now passed into the collection of Herr Wärdofer of Vienna.
I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to the artist's mother and sister, to Mr G. R. Halkett, Mr H. C. Marillier, Mr H. A. Payne, and Mr Pickford Waller. To Mr Frederick H. Evans, who kindly placed his collection at my disposal, I am under special obligations.
Aymer Vallance