Oscar Wilde, an Irish writer and poet, passed away on November 30th of 1900. The exact location of Wilde’s burial site has been disputed, until recently, when the court identified a site in the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. In fact, in 1909 Wilde’s remains had been exhumed from the cemetery in Bagneux outside of Paris, located on the outskirts of town, and moved to the more prestigious Pere Lachaise cemetery. His ashes have now been reinterred and enshrined in a tomb sculpted by Jacob Epstein. Initially, it was covered in green and gold mosaics with the artist’s signature in the corner.
The tomb is instantly recognizable due to its unique design, an enigmatic array of giant angels, cherubs, and a sarcophagus with a winged sphinx. Wilde was an open admirer of sculpture, mysticism, and eastern religions, and this tomb is an ideal representation of these beliefs.
Considering Pere Lachaise cemetery’s, the largest cemetery in the city, illustrious location, it is not a surprise that a literary giant such as Wilde was laid to rest here. Hundreds of world-famous figures are buried there, including Douglas Adams, Jim Morrison, Honoré de Balzac, Camille Claudel, Frédéric Chopin and Edith Piaf.
Wilde’s tomb has become a place of pilgrimage for legions of admirers, drawn to pay their respects to the writer. Every year, fans leave on the tomb flowers, as tribute and offering, as well as drawings and quotes related to the author. Additionally, visitors have taken it upon themselves to leave lipstick marks on the tomb, which have caused deterioration of the rock.
The exact location of the tomb is unknown to visitors, since the cemetery often experiences numerous visitors in the course of the day. However, the cemetery is well-mapped and visitors in search of the tomb should not worry, because they will be able to find it quite easily. The tomb is typically surrounded by people, who stop to recall Wilde’s legacy and reflect on his many varied life achievements.
Visiting the tomb of Oscar Wilde is a great way to pay homage to the symbol of Irish culture and one of nineteenth-century’s most popular and influential authors. Wilde was an admirer of beauty and this has been perfectly encapsulated in the design of his tomb.
The Hierarchy of Pere Lachaise
Pere Lachaise cemetery is the largest cemetery in Paris and is divided into four distinct quarters, each with its own distinct hierarchy. Wilde’s grave can be found in the lower complex, alongside other high profile individuals such as French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat, among many others. This cemetery is home to Parisian elite’s most extravagant and impressive tombs, and the tombs of renowned literature figures such as Wilde are not hidden away. This cemetery provides a place for locals and foreign visitors alike to pay their respects to their greatest achievers.
The cemetery also maintains its own regulations and guidelines on how visitors should behave in the cemetery. On certain days, such as All Saints’ Day, these regulations are strictly enforced. Visiting the cemetery is subject to the rules imposed by the administration while operators of the cemetery focus on maintaining the premises clean, with particular attention being paid to the tombs of prominent public figures.
Another important part of Pere Lachaise are the guided tours. The tours are conducted daily throughout the year and visitors have the opportunity to understand more about the history behind the cemetery, as well as the tombs and commemorative elements laid there. Additionally, on certain days, guided tours are tied to a literary figure, such as Oscar Wilde, in order to pay tribute to the legacy of the writer and examine his grave in detail.
The apparent hierarchy of the cemetery is further explored through the annual ceremonies it holds. Depending on the individual or group in question, certain ceremonies are held to commemorate their death. This is the case of the Oscar Wilde ceremony held every October 30th, which brings together fans to celebrate the life and work of the writer.
The cemetery has come to represent a kind of utopian society, in which people of different beliefs and religions can mingle, supporting one another in the face of adversity. The Oscar Wilde ceremony, in particular, emphasizes this point, as admirers from all walks of life gather to remember the Irish poet and writer and to pass on his creative genius.
Constructing Wilde’s Tomb
The construction of Wilde’s tomb was commissioned by his English lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. Douglas chose the sculptor Jacob Epstein to create the tomb. Epstein, who was familiar with Wilde’s works, sought to portray the writer’s rebellious and individualistic nature in the design. He wanted to immortalise Wilde’s rebelliousness and his commitment to beauty and art. He chose two sculpted figures to symbolise these qualities – the winged sphinx at the centre, and crouching lion representing Wilde’s youth and strength.
The tomb features two pre-Pharaonic motifs – a dragon and a winged sphinx – all of which are embellished with four green, gold and purple mosaics. The entire structure is around 1.5 metres high and 4.5 metres wide, and it is situated in a peaceful corner of the cemetery.
The tomb is in perfect condition today due to a considerable noble effort to preserve its condition for posterity. When it started to deteriorate due to the wear and tear of time, and even lipstick marks left by fans of Wilde, an effort was made to restore it and to put it in the same shape it had when it was unveiled in 1912. Lady Jane Wilde, the poet’s mother, contributed to the restoration of the tomb, and in 1940 both chambers were lined with marble.
The tomb has been described by art scholars and aficionados throughout the years as a paragon of modern sculpture and, as such, its remarkable design has inspired a number of contemporary art pieces. It is clear that Wilde, a passionate admirer of symbols and allusions, particularly enjoyed, if not anticipated, this development.
The tomb of Oscar Wilde is a beacon of admiration for all the admirers of Wilde’s works, a symbol that never ceases to inspire the imagination of scholars and art lovers. To visit it is to be taken in by its beauty, power and symbolism.
The Meaning Behind the Design
The tomb of Oscar Wilde is recognized and admired for its unique design, containing elements such as a winged sphinx, angels, and cherubs. These are powerful symbols chosen by sculptor Jacob Epstein to represent Wilde’s fierce spirit, exceptional creativity, and passion for the arts. These symbols, used throughout art history and mythology, amplify the power of the tomb, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
The tomb also represents Wilde’s own personal spirituality, which is reflected in the use of motifs from Egyptian mythology and Christian iconography. This was a conscious decision of Epstein as well, in order to illustrate Wilde’s eclectic flair for art and literature. From the green and gold mosaics to the famous winged sphinx, all these elements together form a mystical and powerful monument to Wilde’s memory.
The tomb is also a place for fans to leave items, in an effort to honour the writer in a meaningful way. Common elements left on the tomb range from simple candles and flowers to intricate jewellery and prints of Wilde’s words. All these objects form a unique memorial to Wilde, one that is still as significant today as it was in 1912, when the tomb was finished.
All these elements together give a sense of great continuity to Wilde’s work, something that Epstein was certainly aware of. He was able to combine history, mythology and personal spirituality to create a monument whose design has an emotional pull for admirers of Wilde’s work.
The Influential Legacy of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde is an undoubted cultural icon from the nineteenth-century, whose legacy has continued to be celebrated and embraced to this day. His life, works and spirit are a major influence to writers, thinkers and creatives alike, and his fierce commitment to the arts is one that many still strive to embody. His commitment to art and beauty is encapsulated in the design of his tomb, a true symbol of his vital contribution to the literary canon.
Through his plays, essays, stories and even his life itself, Wilde has become an important part of literary and cultural history. He continues to be celebrated in many countries, including his native Ireland, where his life is commemorated each year at different events, the most important of which is the annual Oscar Wilde awards. This is an event where people from all walks of life gather together to celebrate the work and life of this influential author.
The lasting impact of Wilde is also seen in our pop culture today, and his witticisms are often quoted in literature, plays and films. Not surprisingly, Wilde is one of the most commonly studied authors amongst English professors and lecturers, and his work is also incorporated within art classes, literary circles, and academic debates and papers.
His works are still relevant today and continue to serve as a reminder of the great poetry, wit and beauty of Wilde’s writing and his impact on future generations. Whether it is London streets adorned with his quotes, a TV series based on his life, or a museum exhibit dedicated to his writing, the influence of Wilde is very much alive and well.
Preservation of Wilde’s Legacy
The celebration of Wilde’s legacy is ongoing, and his tomb plays an essential part in this. The courtyard surrounding Wilde’s tomb has been remodeled and constantly maintained to ensure that visitors can have a safe and pleasant visit. A regular program of maintenance and conservation is also in place to keep the monument in its original condition.
Regular checks are also done to ensure that the tomb is not being vandalised or the works damaged in any way. Furthermore, efforts are also made to restore and preserve the artefacts placed there in homage to the author occasionaly. This way, the tomb acts not only as an incredible architectural feat, but also as a reminder of the lasting cultural impact of Wilde’s art.
Finally, a number of organizations have also been set up to perpetuate Wilde’s legacy. The creation of the Oscar Wilde Society today is the result of their efforts. The Society, which is based in the UK, works to preserve and promote Wilde’s works, life, and influence to present and future generations. They are also behind many of the lectures, conferences, and film screenings being held on Wilde’s life, as well as the creation of the annual Oscar Wilde awards.
