Franz von Bayros (1866-1924) was born in Zagreb, Croatia - then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - to a relatively comfortable family, gaining his academic & artistic education in cosmopolitan Vienna.

In 1904 he gave his first exhibition in Munich, and quickly made a name - often controversial - for himself. Spending time between Paris, Italy, and Vienna, he seemed able to maintain his reputation somewhat while still producing works of some notoriety, although the authorities did nip at his heels now & again.. To this end he often released pieces under the pseudonym Choisy Le Conin (the signature of which you may notice on some of these images).

His art is a unique combination of tropes from the Decadent Movement (including quite sexual & transgressive material) meshed with intricate rococo designs and always a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Even some of his more macabre imagery has a bit of wink & smile to it. Very distinct stuff.