Edgar Allan Poe Memorial

1882–84; carved 1884
Not on view
The Edgar Allan Poe Memorial was executed by Park in Florence and unveiled at the Metropolitan Museum on May 4, 1885. The memorial was commissioned by a group of New York actors in memory of American writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849). The central focus of the composition is a bronze relief portrait of Poe, situated within a classical marble entablature. A full-length female figure, carved in marble, stands to the left of the portrait holding a marble wreath of oak leaves and acorns. The lengthy inscription engraved on the marble tablet, was written by drama critic William Winter.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Edgar Allan Poe Memorial
  • Artist: Richard Henry Park (1832–1902)
  • Date: 1882–84; carved 1884
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble and bronze
  • Dimensions: 115 x 84 1/2 x 39 3/4 in. (292.1 x 214.6 x 101 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of the Actors of the City of New York, 1885
  • Object Number: 84.9
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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