the 'golden age of illustration' relates to the period of the fin de siecle at the turn of the 10th century which ushered in a new era of artistic excellence, including the the art nouveau style. the short career of revolutionary english illustrator aubrey beardsley inspired a new generation of illustrators as one of the most important figures in art nouveau. the art nouveau style is heavily influenced by japanese woodblock printing, medieval manuscripts, fantasy literature and gothic architecture. it also looks back to medieval and folk influences.