Wilde's Tomb
Express
·
gettyimages.com
 
Wilde's Controversial Monuments
User avatar
Curated by
alexwanders
2 min read
1,977
83
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright and poet, continues to spark controversy even in death, as evidenced by the ongoing debates surrounding the various monuments erected in his honor. From Jacob Epstein's scandalous tomb in Paris to Maggi Hambling's controversial sculpture in London, Wilde's memorials have often been met with mixed reactions, reflecting the complex legacy of the writer and the evolving attitudes towards his life and work.

Epstein's Scandalous Tomb Design

Jacob Epstein's tomb design for Oscar Wilde, commissioned in 1908 and completed in 1912, became a source of immediate controversy and scandal
1
2
.
The monument, installed in Paris's Père Lachaise Cemetery, featured a large, winged figure inspired by Wilde's poem "The Sphinx"
3
.
Its provocative design, which included prominent male genitalia, was deemed so scandalous that it was covered with a tarpaulin shortly after its unveiling
3
2
.
This censorship echoed the public outrage Epstein had faced earlier with his Strand Statues in London, establishing a pattern of controversy that would follow much of his career
1
.
  • The tomb's design was considered avant-garde and shocking for its time
  • It sparked debates about artistic freedom and public morality
  • The monument's genitalia were eventually vandalized and later removed
  • Epstein's work on Wilde's tomb solidified his reputation as a provocative and boundary-pushing sculptor
    1
    2
britannica.com favicon
ab2020.org favicon
youtube.com favicon
3 sources

Controversial Unveiling in London

A new sculpture of Oscar Wilde in London has sparked controversy, with the playwright's grandson, Merlin Holland, condemning it as "absolutely hideous"
1
.
The 2ft-high black bronze sculpture by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, set to be unveiled in a public garden in Chelsea near Wilde's former home, depicts Wilde's head lying on its side with his face sliced into segments
1
.
Holland, an expert on Wilde's life and works, criticized the sculpture for failing to capture Wilde's wit and brilliance, arguing that its gloomy appearance is more likely to evoke thoughts of the writer's tragic end rather than the joy of his writing
1
.
  • The sculpture is part of a commemoration for the centenary of Paolozzi's birth
  • It is expected to be installed on Dovehouse Green within weeks
  • Holland expressed concern that the sculpture portrays Wilde as "carved up and beheaded" rather than "amusing, entertaining, engaging"
    1
resetera.com favicon
1 source

Queer Memorial Aesthetics

Oscar Wilde's legacy as a queer icon has inspired numerous memorials that reflect the complex intersection of aestheticism and LGBTQ+ identity. The Oscar Wilde Temple at Studio Voltaire, designed by McDermott & McGough, stands as a powerful example of queer memorial aesthetics, offering a space for recognition and reflection
1
.
These memorials often incorporate symbols associated with Wilde's life and work, such as the green carnation, which became a covert emblem for queer men during his lifetime
1
.
The ongoing creation and interpretation of Wilde-inspired art and spaces demonstrates how his influence continues to shape queer aesthetics and cultural expression, serving as both a celebration of his artistry and a reminder of the historical struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals
1
2
.
thepinknews.com favicon
storymaps.arcgis.com favicon
2 sources
Related
How has Oscar Wilde's legacy influenced modern queer aesthetics
What role did Oscar Wilde's imprisonment play in shaping his aesthetic style
How do contemporary artists use queer aesthetics to honor Wilde's legacy
What are some examples of queer memorial aesthetics in modern art
How has the perception of Wilde's aestheticism evolved over time
Keep Reading
Dorian Gray: In-Depth Analysis
Dorian Gray: In-Depth Analysis
Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, first published in 1890, is a seminal work that deftly intertwines themes of aestheticism, moral decay, and the duality of human nature. Set against the backdrop of late Victorian London, the novel follows the transformation of Dorian Gray, a young man whose wish for eternal youth leads to his portrait aging in his stead, revealing the grotesque consequences of his hedonistic pursuits. Through its rich symbolism and complex characters, Wilde's only...
6,202
Keith Haring Mural Faces Demolition
Keith Haring Mural Faces Demolition
A beloved Keith Haring mural in Manhattan's West Village faces an uncertain future as city officials consider demolishing the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center where it resides. The 170-foot-long artwork, painted by Haring in 1987, has become a focal point in debates over the fate of the structurally compromised facility and its potential relocation.
4,749
Mysterious Letter in London's National Gallery
Mysterious Letter in London's National Gallery
A hidden letter discovered during renovations at London's National Gallery has unveiled a decades-old architectural dispute. As reported by The Art Newspaper, contractors demolishing false columns in the Sainsbury Wing found a note from 1990 written by Lord John Sainsbury, expressing his displeasure with the architectural design he had funded.
14,359
Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower Outrage
Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower Outrage
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's plan to permanently keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower following the 2024 Games has ignited a fierce debate, drawing criticism from heritage conservationists, politicians, and descendants of Gustave Eiffel. As reported by TIME, the controversial decision has sparked a petition garnering thousands of signatures and raised questions about the proper procedures for modifying such an iconic national symbol.
3,455