Bildnis des Dorian Gray

Published in 1890, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde tells the story of a young man, Dorian Gray, who wishes that his portrait would age instead of him. As he indulges in a life of pleasure and excess, his wish comes true, allowing him to remain eternally youthful while his portrait reflects the corruption of his soul. The novel explores themes of vanity, moral duplicity, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle, making it a significant work in Gothic literature and a critique of Victorian society.