Johnson Ben Collection

Cover Design to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Cover Design to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Cover of an edition of Ben Jonsons comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Volpone, Los Angeles, 1939. Creator: Unknown
Volpone, Los Angeles, 1939. Mayan Theatre - "Volpone" by Ben Jonson'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S

Frontispiece to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Frontispiece to Volpone by Ben Jonson, 1898. Volpone, a greedy and rich childless Venetian, rubs his hands in front of his riches

Initial Letter V (Satyr) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Satyr) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Initial Letters (Vulture) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letters (Vulture) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Initial Letter V (Column) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Column) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Initial Letter M (Venus) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter M (Venus) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Johnsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

Initial Letter V (Elephant) to Volpone, 1898. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Initial Letter V (Elephant) to Volpone, 1898. Illustration for an edition of Ben Jonsons eponymous comedy play, published by Leonard Smithers

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Capt. Bobadil, (Mr. Charles Dickens), 1845. London stage production starring amateur actors in Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon), 1845. Creator: Unknown
St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon), 1845. London production by Charles Dickens, an...amateur performance of Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Kitely (Mr. Foster), 1845. Creator: Unknown
St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Kitely (Mr. Foster), 1845. London stage production starring amateur actors in two plays: Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Master Matthew (Mr. Leech), 1845. London stage production starring amateur actors in two plays: Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Knowell, (Mr. H. Mayhew), 1845. Creator: Unknown
St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Knowell, (Mr. H. Mayhew), 1845. London production by Charles Dickens, an amateur performance of Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

Inigo Jones, (1573-1652), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Inigo Jones, (1573-1652), 1830. Inigo Jones (1573-1652) English architect who employed Vitruvian rules of proportion and symmetry to his buildings which include the Banqueting House at Whitehall

B. Jonson, (c1572-1637), 1830. Creator: Unknown
B. Jonson, (c1572-1637), 1830. Benjamin Jonson (c1572-1637) English playwright and poet educated at Westminster School and the University of Cambridge who popularised the comedy of humours

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"Johnson Ben: A Tale of Artistic Collaboration and Theatrical Genius" In the late 19th century, a remarkable collaboration between two artistic titans unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature and theater. Johnson Ben, also known as Ben Jonson, was a renowned playwright whose works captivated audiences with their wit and satire. One such masterpiece was "Volpone, " a play that showcased Jonson's exceptional storytelling abilities. But what truly elevated this work to new heights were the stunning illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley. With his distinct style and attention to detail, Beardsley breathed life into Jonson's characters and settings. The cover design for "Volpone" set the tone for what lay within its pages. Beardsley's intricate lines formed an enchanting tapestry that invited readers to delve into Jonson's world of deceit and greed. The frontispiece further mesmerized viewers with its haunting depiction of key characters from the play, hinting at the complex web they would weave. Beardsley's initial letters added another layer of visual splendor to "Volpone. " From satyrs to vultures, each letter captured the essence of Jonson's themes in a single stroke. They served as gateways into a realm where morality clashed with ambition—a testament to both artists' ability to convey meaning through artistry. But Johnson Ben was not confined solely to ink on paper; it found expression on stage as well. At St. James’s Theatre in 1845, actors brought these characters vividly alive before enraptured audiences. Captains Bobadil (played by Mr. Charles Dickens) exuded charisma while Brainworm (portrayed by Mr. Mark Lemon) delighted spectators with his cunning antics. Kitely (Mr. Foster), Master Matthew (Mr. Leech), Knowell (Mr. H. Mayhew)—each actor infused their roles with a unique energy, breathing life into Jonson's words.