socialism's wildeman

from the series, art/history, for inktober, 2018:

never forget that one of the world's sharpest wits was more than his champagne-supping gadabout persona reflected. oscar wilde (born 16 october in 1854) believed that socialism would spell true liberation for the human species. if people were financially comfortable through ownership of the means of production, they would be free to explore their creativity & live fuller, more meaningful lives. i couldn't agree more & that's why i'll always adore the wildean beast. for this portrait, i tried to chuck in a few elements that echo aubrey beardsley's style. he illustrated wilde's 'salome'. clearly, i'm no beardsley. this was a fun one to draw, nonetheless.