Edgar Allan Poe Memorial 1882 - 1884

Richard Henry Park carved this marble memorial to Edgar Allan Poe around the turn of the 20th century. The monument was commissioned to commemorate the American poet by the Actors of New York, an organization that helped the poor and provided a dignified burial for actors. The memorial evokes classical antiquity. It depicts the muse of poetry placing a laurel wreath on a portrait of the poet. Poe was certainly an advocate for the public role of art. He believed that literature should strive for beauty, and he saw the press as a means to educate the public. To understand this memorial, research into theatrical organizations of the period is essential, as is knowledge of the publishing industry in which Poe operated. The politics of imagery in the Beaux Arts movement are also relevant. These resources will provide context for the creation and reception of this memorial.