Oscar Wilde, 19th century - Public domain portrait

Napoleon Sarony (1821-1896) was a Canadian-American lithographer and photographer known for his portraits of famous people, including politicians, actors and other celebrities. Born in Quebec, Canada, he moved to New York City in the 1840s to pursue a career in lithography. He later switched to photography and opened his own studio in 1866. Sarony's portraits were noted for their theatricality and elaborate costumes, and he became one of the most sought-after photographers of his time. His most famous subjects included Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill Cody. Sarony's legacy continues today, with many of his photographs considered iconic representations of their subjects.