Worshipper of the Image

The Worshipper of the Image, by Richard Le Galliene first published in 1900. The protagonist Antony, a poet buys a death mask in an antique shop and soon realizes it resembles his wife Beatrice. The death mask, Antony names "Silencieux," becomes an all consuming fetish and drives Antony from his once beloved family. Silencieux also drives Antony quite insane as he is willing to give his soul to be with her. - Summary by Holly McGuire