Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (October 16, 1854 - November 30, 1900) was an Irish writer and poet. As a spokesman for aestheticism, he tried his hand at various literary activities: he published a book of poems, lectured in the USA and Canada and then returned to London where he worked as a journalist. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress, and glittering conversation, Wilde had become one of the most well-known personalities of his day. At the height of his fame and success, Wilde had the Marquess of Queensberry, the father of his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, prosecuted for libel. The trial unearthed evidence that caused Wilde to drop his charges and led to his own arrest, and trial for gross indecency, with other men. After two more trials he was convicted and imprisoned for two years' hard labor. He died destitute in Paris at the age of 46. Wilde appeared in Sarony's studio dressed in the attire he would wear at his lectures: a jacket, velvet vest, silk knee breeches and stockings, and slippers adorned with grosgrain bows. Napoleon Sarony, January 1882.