Who Was Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was one of the most brilliant and controversial writers of the 19th century. Born in Dublin in 1854, he became famous for his witty intelligence, his refined style and his ability to expose the hypocrisies of Victorian society. Gifted with an eccentric and provocative personality, Wilde was the author of novels, essays, poems and plays that still enchant today with their depth and irony. His life was marked by resounding successes but also by a dramatic trial for homosexuality, which led him to prison and exile, until his death in Paris in 1900.
The Masterpiece: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Wilde’s most famous work is undoubtedly The Picture of Dorian Gray, published in 1890. The novel tells the story of a young man who, fascinated by beauty and youth, wishes never to grow old. His wish is granted: while he remains aesthetically unchanged, a hidden portrait begins to show all the signs of his moral decadence. The work is a profound journey into the themes of hedonism, inner corruption and the price of vanity. Through an elegant and provocative language, Wilde raises still current questions about the relationship between appearance and reality, between ethics and desire.
2025: a year of commemorations in Ireland
2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s death and Ireland, his homeland, has organized a series of initiatives to pay homage to him. Considered one of the greatest authors of 19th-century Irish literature, Wilde is today celebrated not only for his literary talent, but also as a symbol of freedom of expression and identity. Dublin, the city where he was born, becomes the centre of this cultural tribute, hosting events, exhibitions and shows dedicated to his thought and artistic legacy.
Exhibitions, festivals and special initiatives
Among the main initiatives, a large exhibition stands out in the heart of Dublin, where documents, letters and photographs related to Wilde’s life are displayed. Another important event is an artistic installation inspired by De Profundis, the long letter that the author wrote in prison, interpreted by contemporary artists. Furthermore, during the autumn, a festival entirely dedicated to him will be held, with public readings, theatrical adaptations, guided tours of the symbolic places of his life and meetings with scholars and experts.
Even outside Dublin, in cities linked to his biography such as Enniskillen, cultural events, school workshops, literary walks and open-air exhibitions inspired by his fairy tales are planned. The whole country unites in remembering an author who was able to overcome the limits of his time to speak, with extraordinary modernity, to the man of every age.
A legacy still alive
The celebrations for the 125th anniversary of Oscar Wilde’s death are not only a tribute to a great writer, but also an opportunity to reflect on the value of art, free thought and the courage to be oneself. His literary legacy continues to inspire generations of readers, artists and thinkers. In a world that often rewards uniformity, Wilde remains a beacon of nonconformity, intelligence and beauty.
by Michela Rugiero