Oscar Wilde
1854–1900
Autograph letter signed, London, to Bernulf Clegg, [1891]. 4 p.
MA 7258.10
Gift of Lucia Moreira Salles, 2008
Transcription
Pages 2-3
the note of its pleasure is sterility. If the contemplation of a work of art is followed by activity of any kind, the work is either of a very second-rate order, or the spectator has failed to realise the complete artistic impression.
A work of art is useless as a flower is useless. A flower blossoms for its own joy. We gain a moment of joy by looking at it. That is