The famous writer, dandy and wit Oscar Wilde finally has his first bug French exhibition, and about time too – after all, he did adore the French and die in Paris…

Here’s all the info.

While the centenary of his death went without note here, the Petit Palais plays catch up with this new exhibition that examines the life and work of Oscar Wilde, an ardent francophile who spoke perfect French.

The exhibition contains over 200 exhibits, some of which never shown before – photos, writings, caricatures, drawings, personal effects and paintings.

Among the most interesting pieces are thirteen original photographic portraits of Wilde, being shown here for the first time, as well as paintings of Wilde, including one by Toulouse-Lautrec.

There is also an interview of Wilde’s grandson, texts read by Rupert Everett, originals of some of Wilde’s most important works, and – of course – a lot more.

Themed rooms follow Wilde’s life:

– his education in Dublin and Oxford,
– his beginnings as an art critic at the Grosvenor Gallery,
– his visit to the United States in 1882,
– his most creative years between 1890 and 1895, when he wroteThe Portrait of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest
– and a special room concentrating on Salomé, a work he wrote directly in French, destined for the actress Sarah Bernhardt.

To complete your knowledge of Wilde, a free app is available for iOS with audio commentary and high definition images for 34 points of interest throughout the exhibition, plus additional content (archive images, anecdotes and comments from the curators, filmed interviews…).

There’s also a cycle of conferences, film showings, a cine-concert on 27th November, workshops (writing, engraving, poetry, photography…), a free MOOC…

An official catalogue is also available (256 pages, 250 illustrations, 39.90€ here at amazon.fr).

The exhibition Oscar Wilde, Insolence Incarnate is at the Petit Palais (here) from 28th September 2016 – 15th January 2017

Closed Mondays and certain public holidays

Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm (9pm Fridays)

Admission: 10€ / 7€

Website: www.petitpalais.paris.fr

Facebook: ici

Twitter: twitter.com/PetitPalais_    #expoWilde

Instagram: instagram.com/petitpalais_musee

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