Poe's References to the Visual Arts

Abstract

Abstract:Poe's references to the visual arts have long been noted, but rarely examined for personal and original content. Barbara Cantalupo's recent monograph is an exception in this regard and proposes that Poe's interest in the arts was deep and generally concerned beauty and aesthetic issues. Facile with aspects of antiquity, the Renaissance, and the Baroque, Poe had an enthusiasm for artists working in the United States that was more personal than his interest in those from the European past. He knew firsthand works by Joshua Shaw, Clark Mills, and Hiram Powers. Without traveling to continental Europe, Poe became familiar with Renaissance and Baroque art through his reading and by viewing works in New York and Philadelphia. He was sufficiently familiar with foremost artists and antiquities to make references that strengthened his characters and settings. In commenting on exhibits in New York, Poe revealed his opinions, both positive and negative. Conversant with the typical qualities of major categories of art, Poe did not stray from the generally received information about past art but evidently relied on his own observations for current art. Ultimately, Poe's interest in the visual arts depended on how he could use painting and sculpture in his writings.