“A Conversation with Oscar Wilde (detail)” by Maggi Hambling (original) (raw)

A Conversation with Oscar Wilde (detail)

Maggi Hambling

1998

Bronze head and shoulders on a granite sarcophagus-shaped block

Adelaide Street, London WC2

Rather like sculptures integral to fountains (i.e. through which water actually spouts), this piece has a function, issuing a witty invitation to sit down and "converse" with the subject, who leans languidly on one arm, holding a cigarette in his hand.

Photograph by Jacqueline Banerjee

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