By Jim Dine
Located in New York, NY
This surreal etching portrait of Dorian Gray by Jim Dine in blue ink features the literary protagonist dressed in a white suit. His face is obscured by a mass of hair, tangles of which seem to grow from the sleeves, pant legs, and from beneath the jacket. Dine's notes are written on the image: at his feet reading "WHITE BOOTS" and "White Vinyl Suit" alongside the jacket. On the left edge of the image handwritten text reads "DORIAN GRAY AT OPIUM DEN". In Oscar Wilde's novel Dorian Gray keeps opium in an ornate box in his home, and frequents sites of consumption on the East side of London: “There were opium dens where one could buy oblivion, dens of horror where the memory of old sins could be destroyed by the madness of sins that were new”. An opium den is where Sybil's brother James discovers Dorian. The brother attempts to capture the man he believes is responsible for the death of his sister. Dorian flees to his home, ultimately slashing the portrait that has kept him young for so long.
Etching by Jim Dine from one of his most important artist’s books – completely designed and illustrated by Dine. Study for the Rings on Dorian Gray’s Hand from “The Picture of Dorian Gray...
Category
1960s Modern James Barenger Prints and Multiples