Thursday, August 7, 2008

Meeting Oscar Wilde

While strolling in Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland in May, 2008, I came upon a figure of a man reclining on a granite boulder. Approaching a little closer, I realized it was a sculpture of Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde, better known as Oscar Wilde.
(My photos - click all to enlarge to see detail)

Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 20, 1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and author of short stories. Known for his biting wit, he became one of the most successful playwrights of late Victorian London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially "The Importance of Being Earnest."

This remarkably life like sculpture was commissioned by the Guinness Ireland Group, and sculpted by artist Danny Osborne. It was unveiled on October 28, 1997.

The True Knowledge
by Oscar Wilde

Thou knowest all; I seek in vain
What lands to till or sow with seed—
The land is black with briar and weed,
Nor cares for falling tears or rain.
Thou knowest all; I sit and wait
With blinded eyes and hands that fail,
Till the last lifting of the veil
And the first opening of the gate.
Thou knowest all; I cannot see.
I trust I shall not live in vain,
I know that we shall meet again
In some divine eternity.

22 comments:

Louise said...

What an amazing sculpture and makes a great subject for a photograph. x

Joanne Kennedy said...

That is a great sculpture. SO different then any I've seen before. I love the natural look to it.

Hugs,
Joanne

Strider said...

Life like sculpture. Very neat!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I've never heard of this sculpture before! It's great...thanks for sharing! Love the poem as well!

Firefly Nights said...

Sure does look lifelike, doesn't it?

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

1. The Importance of Being Earnest is one of my most favorite.

2. You need to tell me more about this rack similar to mine that you have displayed on! (that you commented about on my blog). Maps and coins collections…I heart maps so I am intrigued. Details, details! ;-)

I am totally enjoying your blog. :-)

Anonymous said...

Very cool sculpture and poem. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Paz

Vee said...

Impressive sculpture...it could scare me! LOL

Oscar Wilde was such a character, eh? I suppose that he really did lounge about on rocks just that way. I am really only familiar with the play that you mention, which I love.

Have a great weekend!

Wendy said...

I've enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such nice comments.

Alexandra MacVean said...

What an amazing sculpture! I enjoyed this blog.

Tara said...

Pat

Doesn't Ireland have the geatest writers and poets? Yes. I'm biased!

Anonymous said...

That is awesome. I never knew a thing about this sculpture, but I love Oscar Wilde.

Lavinia said...

Wow, I really like that. Did you know that many of the white statues from antiquity which we so admire today, were originally highly coloured? The centuries wore away all the paint.

This statue is very interesting in the way that it adheres to the rock. Unusual.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That is just an amazing sculpture! I enjoyed the poem too.
Penny

Just A Girl said...

What a funny thing to come around a corner and see. Very amusing sculpture.
Hi Pat, you emailed me sometime last week and I need to mail you back. I'm off to watch a movie so I'll write tomorrow. Have a wonderful evening.
:) Cori

Fifi Flowers said...

That is a laid back sculpture! I like that!

Rue said...

Good morning Pat :)

That's an incredible sculpture! I'm always amazed at what you have seen in your travels :)

hugs,
rue

Naz said...

Wow...unbelievable how amazing that sculpture is. I always enjoy your blog for not only how interesting it is but I love your music selection too.
:-)

Unknown said...

That is an amazing sculpture Pat! So lifelike!

Now Ireland is on my list of places to go!

Thanks for the information on Oscar Wilde. I've heard the name before, but that's about it!

Hope you have a wonderful day,
Diane

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Thanks everyone! I'm glad Oscar made a good impression. If you didn't do so please enlarge the last photo and look at all the details -- even rings on his fingers! It was truly eerily life like.


Laura --I answered you on your blog -- maybe it'll be a future post for me to do?

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

That is a very cool statue! I love that it has color to it and is so life like...like he is just sitting amoung us. Very cool!

Rosie's Whimsy said...

It is a wonderfully grey and rainy morning to catch up with my friends while sitting on my porch. The first friend I go to is Pat. What wonderful places will she take me today? Ah Ireland..... how wonderful to go there with you and I needn't leave the safety of my blanket :-)

I love this sculpture.....and the poem you put with it.