The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray
Copyright 2012 Addie Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
16" x 20"
Prints available on Fine Art America

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" painting is inspired by the novel written by Oscar Wilde of the same name.  The character Dorian Gray is a wretched evil man whose true character is expressed only on the face of a portrait painting he keeps hidden away.  While the painting changes over time to reflect every crime he commits, Dorian's face appears unaltered.  The face of his youth becomes a mask that hides his true character to those who are fooled by appearances.

I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die... I wish you would tell me your secret. To get back my youth I would do anything in the world... except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable.

-Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray