The Story Behind The Last Photograph of Oscar Wilde on His Death Bed
The last photograph of Oscar Wilde, taken on his death bed, was sold for $375,000 at auction. Captured by Maurice Gilbert shortly after Wilde's death in 1900, the image is notable for its historical significance despite the poor lighting conditions. Only a few prints of this final portrait are believed to exist, making it a remarkable piece of literary history.
- ▪The photograph was taken on November 30, 1900, just hours after Wilde passed away.
- ▪Maurice Gilbert, a French marine infantryman, took the photograph using a borrowed camera and magnesium flashlight.
- ▪Wilde's career was marred by his conviction for 'gross indecency' in 1895, leading to his exile in Europe.
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The Story Behind The Last Photograph of Oscar Wilde on His Death Bed May 25, 2026 Pesala Bandara This final photograph of Oscar Wilde sold for $375k at auction this year. | Image credit: Bonhams The last known photograph of literary icon Oscar Wilde was taken on his death bed in a Paris hotel room using a borrowed camera and a volatile early flash, mere hours after he passed away. freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "PetaPixel_728x90_ATF_Desktop", slotId: "PetaPixel_728x90_ATF_Desktop" }); freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "PetaPixel_300x600_300x250_320x50_Mobile", slotId: "PetaPixel_300x600_300x250_320x50_Mobile" }); Earlier this year, the photograph of Wilde taken on his death bed on November 30, 1900, was sold at auction by Bonhams for $375,000…
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