Wilde beauty: A new look at an old crossroad in aesthetic history

I argue that beauty can be found in both the moral and immoral. The subjects of art, beauty, and morality in Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray are justly explained and beauty is revealed and restored to art when Dorian finally pierces his portrait. Art imitates life, and life must be portrayed in all its aspects of beauty and wretchedness. I also argue that the artist cannot be separated from his art, therefore making us judge both the person and the piece which should not be judged based on morality. I also use Wilde's work as well as critics of Wilde, art, beauty, and morality to prove that art does have a purpose.