Oscar Wilde’s novel is the dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.

As Dorian Gray sinks into a life of crime and gross sensuality, his body retains perfect youth and vigor while his recently painted portrait grows day by day into a hideous record of evil, which he must keep hidden from the world. 

The book cover design plays with the mystery of who the real Dorian Gray might be - the man standing in front of the painting or the painting itself?

The reader is compelled to open up the book and solve the question for himself.

Experimentation was essential to strike the balance between the lofty and gracious air of the book and the decadence of the main character through the course of the book while maintaining the illusion of a melting figure into the canvas.

Wine red encapsulates the dichotomy of the book's themes: Reminiscent of grand gatherings of high society Dorian engages in yet on the other hand the colour of blood.