Original cabinet photograph of the Irish playwright, novelist, and personality by Napoleon Sarony, the pre-eminent New York photographer of his day and one of the city's favourite eccentrics. Wilde is shown in a head-and-shoulders portrait with short hair and a large bow-tie, during his American tour of 1882.

Wilde, who was eager to make an international reputation, first came to America on a lecture tour arranged by the English impresario, Richard d'Oyly Carte (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame), arriving on the SS Arizona on January 3rd, 1882, this being the date of his famous quip to the NY Customs House officer that he had "nothing to declare except my genius." On a grueling schedule, Wilde lectured in a new town every few days for over a year. His look and comments drew mockery and criticism from the press. When he departed in December, one American newspaper printed "Good-by, Oscar; we shan't miss you."