Lot 259

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Wilde Oscar



Oscar Wilde Rare Signed Photo

 

A cabinet sized bust portrait photograph of Irish author Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) signed as "Oscar Wilde" and dated "Jany. 23 '82" along the top portion above the sitter's head. The sepia tone photograph is printed "OSCAR WILDE. / Sarony / Copyright 1882, by N. Sarony. / 37 UNION SQR. / N.Y." in the lower mount and depicts the long-locked dramatist wearing an overcoat with a wide fur collar. The card measures 4.25" x 6.25". The upper corners of the card are faded and have been retouched to match the sepia tone, and there are two surface abrasions including one running vertically down Wilde's forehead, else near fine. In a floating mount and matted in tan and cocoa within a copper gilt finished frame. Not examined out of frame. Overall frame measures 10.75" x 13".

 

Wilde, who was still an aspiring poet eager to establish an international reputation, accepted an invitation to give a series of lectures on aestheticism in the United States. In preparation, Wilde bought himself some suitably aesthetic outfits, including a long, fur-lined green overcoat--the very one seen in this photograph. He became very attached to this coat, writing later that "it was all over America with me…it knows me perfectly." It enfolded him when he set sail on Christmas Eve 1881 for New York. Arriving at port, Wilde was an immediate sensation. To a customs official he said, "I have nothing to declare but my genius."

 

One of the first things that Wilde did in America was to report to Napoleon Sarony (1821-1896), an exclusive New York City photographer. The Canadian-born illustrator and lithographer had opened a photography studio in 1867. Sarony's other subjects included such turn-of-the-century notables Sarah Bernhardt, Samuel Clemens, Lew Wallace, and retired Union General W.T. Sherman.

 

Another image of Wilde--arguably the most instantly recognizable of the author to this day--was also taken by Sarony. Entitled "No. 18," it showed Wilde in a pensive pose, and it was probably taken during the same session as this cabinet card bust portrait. "No. 18" depicted Wilde in a velvet smoking jacket, knee breeches, black stockings, and slippers, holding a book of his Poems. The photograph was later the subject of the U.S. Supreme Court case Burrow-Giles Lithographic Co. vs. Sarony, in which Sarony successfully argued that his copyrights had been infringed when his image of Wilde had been used without his permission.

 



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000