The Judge: "A Thing of Beauty Not a Joy Forever: Rise and Fall of a 'Vera' Wilde Æsthete"

This caricature from The Judge is fairly cut and dry: the left shows Oscar Wilde in his element, in his "beauty," by pairing him with the recurring symbols that are the sunflowers and the lilies. He is also standing above a pile of gold to symbolize the success of his lecutring tour in the United States. The right side, however, shows him leaving America to return to England with a big scroll that reads "Vera" (referring to his botched play, Vera; or, the Nihilists). He can preach but apparently he could not practice effectively. The title, "A Thing of Beauty Not a Joy Forever," is a reference to the John Keats epic poem Endymion, and "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever" is its starting line. This inversion is a commentary on Aestheticism's perceived staying power: "Not a Joy Forever," according to popular consensus. Introspection on sexuality (based on the aforementioned) flower symbols is taught but not valued, as can be interpreted by Wilde's failed play.

Source:

"A Thing of Beauty Not a Joy Forever: Rise and Fall of a 'Vera' Wilde Æsthete." The Judge, 1882-1883, https://www.oscarwildeinamerica.org/features/not-a-joy-forever.html.

Associated Place(s)

Event date:

circa. Winter 1882 to circa. Winter 1883