04.06.24

“A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he is. It has nothing to do with the fact that other people want what they want. Indeed, the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries to supply the demand, he ceases to be an artist and becomes a dull or an amusing craftsman, an honest or a dishonest tradesman.”
—Oscar Wilde
from the Preface to Dorian Gray

Elisha Pope Fearing Gardner: the “poet” of “Poets Korner” sold peanuts and verses (photographer unknown)