Paul Adam, who was a journalist at La Revue Blanche, published an article called “L’assaut malicieux” in he which he presented an impassioned defence of the “martyred” author. Lautrec contributed a pen-and-ink drawing of Wilde’s elegant silhouette to illustrate the article. The dandy is depicted as standing with his head held high, because, after all, “What could be more exalted than the passion of young Lord Douglas for Mr. Wilde? There is no question here of either instinct or money. A poet unfolds the secret harmonious thoughts before the ignorance of an adolescent. He charms him with the cadences of his verses, the beauty of rhythm, the quality of his voice, the fire of his enthusiasm. Dazzled by these spiritual revelations, the young nobleman abandons himself to his friend. He listens to him. He learns from him. He is moved by the same vision of splendour.” (Extract from Paul Adam’s article).
