The fact of human faces — well, that’s another thing. I cherish that portrait of me that uncle Basil painted, because it is honest. It is a more honest mirror than my own silvered glass, for it observes what I could not see in myself: I do not see myself intent upon observation. How do I look when I am not looking at myself? Only another can tell me that, and Basil did me that honor.
It is worth more to me than the most elegant society portrait. That would immure my true face behind the mask of the Lady. She’s a type, that Lady, as much as the medieval Queen of Heaven, and no less mythological than Aphrodite.
***
POV Leonie Hallward, niece of the painter Basil Hallward from Oscar Wilde’s Portrait of Dorian Gray. From novel-in-progress, Leonie Hallward and the Secession of Greenwich Village.
Weekend Writing Warriors offers eight-sentence excerpts from a variety of writers; see the other excerpts here.
E. P. Beaumont 
Terrific excerpt, and I happen to agree with the sentiment. No one can deceive us like we can deceive ourselves, and we need that third party to give us insight into our own inner truths. Nice work.
I love books that ‘flesh out’ the stories of works I have read (and enjoyed) before. Visiting from WeWriWa.
Intriguing. I loved the use of language…but you know I’m a fan! Great 8!
I love your writing.
great cover! and cool snippet, I’m intrigued by the fact that your character is related to a character from Oscar Wild! 🙂