Poe’s References to the Visual Arts

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 proposes that interest was deep generally concerned beauty aesthetic issues. Facile with aspects of antiquity, Renaissance, Baroque, Poe had enthusiasm artists working United States more than his those from European past. He knew firsthand works by Joshua Shaw, Clark Mills, Hiram Powers. Without traveling continental Europe, became familiar Renaissance Baroque art through reading viewing New York Philadelphia. sufficiently foremost antiquities make strengthened characters settings. In commenting on exhibits York, revealed opinions, both positive negative. Conversant typical qualities major categories art, did not stray received information about past evidently relied own observations current art. Ultimately, depended how he could use painting sculpture writings.