The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel written by Oscar Wilde and first published in the July 1890 issue of Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. The story was originally deemed indecent and edited without Wilde’s consent nor knowledge.

Oscar Wilde’s story is based on a young man, Dorian Gray, who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty after being subject to a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward.

Years later Wilde was on trial for his homosexual liaisons, which resulted in his imprisonment. With the book he wrote becoming a point of evidence and discussion throughout the trial. Of Dorian Gray’s relationship to autobiography, Wilde noted in a letter, “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks of me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps.