After the criticisms and backlash from the first edition, a second edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in April 1891 by Ward, Lock and Co. Wilde kept Stoddart’s edits from the first edition but added an additional six chapters and a preface to the text. Chapters 3, 5, and 15 to 18 are entirely new, and Wilde added to Chapter 19 and 20. Ward, Lock and Co. also took the initiative to commission artist Charles Ricketts to design the single volume in a way that reflected the artistry of the novel.

Despite the efforts made by Wilde and Ward, Lock and Co., the reception of the novel were still poor. Wilde received similar criticisms as before about his artistic intentions and the morals (or lack thereof) incorporated into the work. Sales for the volume that Ricketts thoughtfully designed were low.