Final answer:
The novel by Oscar Wilde that depicts artistic London is 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' Wilde uses the narrative to delve into themes of beauty and morality, wrapped in his customary satirical style that critiqued Victorian society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oscar Wilde, a prolific Irish writer known for his sharp wit and flamboyant style, penned the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, which has become a classic of English literature. In this novel, Wilde explores themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the pursuit of beauty. The story follows a young man named Dorian Gray, who possesses great beauty and becomes the subject of a portrait by artist Basil Hallward. Dorian wishes for the portrait to age instead of himself, a wish that mysteriously comes true, ultimately leading to his downfall.
This novel particularly epitomizes Wilde's comedic style, which often also served as a critical commentary on society, as seen in other works such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere's Fan. Wilde's ability to embed social satire within his writings has left an undeniable impact on literary history, cementing his works as timeless pieces.