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Poe in Paris: The Poe Museum Places Emphasis on Poe's Lasting Impact
By Nikki Madures
Edgar Allan Poe, most famous for his macabre style and gothic tales, is quite possibly one of America’s greatest literary figures. A man of immense, yet diverse talents, Poe created the modern detective story and pioneered the science fiction genre. In Richmond, Poe’s legacy lives on in the Poe Museum, whose website states that the museum has “the world’s finest collection of Poe’s manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia, and personal belongings.” The museum’s curator, Chris Semtner, stresses Poe’s importance by calling him “the first American to change the face of world art and literature.”
On June 23, 2013, the Poe Museum debuted “Poe in Paris.” This exhibit focuses on Poe’s international influence during a time of immense artistic growth, the nineteenth century. During this time, Poe’s work inspired a number of French writers and artists, each of which drew on a different aspect of the American author’s genius. Mallarme respected Poe’s methodical poetic theory; meanwhile, Baudelaire appreciated Poe’s masterful fiction. The exhibit features a variety of Poe inspired work and places significant emphasis on Poe’s impact on modern art and literature. The main attractions are the artistic renderings of Poe by Edouard Manet and Henri Matisse.
Edgar Allan Poe, most famous for his macabre style and gothic tales, is quite possibly one of America’s greatest literary figures. A man of immense, yet diverse talents, Poe created the modern detective story and pioneered the science fiction genre. In Richmond, Poe’s legacy lives on in the Poe Museum, whose website states that the museum has “the world’s finest collection of Poe’s manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia, and personal belongings.” The museum’s curator, Chris Semtner, stresses Poe’s importance by calling him “the first American to change the face of world art and literature.”
On June 23, 2013, the Poe Museum debuted “Poe in Paris.” This exhibit focuses on Poe’s international influence during a time of immense artistic growth, the nineteenth century. During this time, Poe’s work inspired a number of French writers and artists, each of which drew on a different aspect of the American author’s genius. Mallarme respected Poe’s methodical poetic theory; meanwhile, Baudelaire appreciated Poe’s masterful fiction. The exhibit features a variety of Poe inspired work and places significant emphasis on Poe’s impact on modern art and literature. The main attractions are the artistic renderings of Poe by Edouard Manet and Henri Matisse.
Chris Semtner hopes that visitors will leave the exhibit “with the realization [that] Edgar Allan Poe, an author little respected in his own country, had a profound and lasting influence on writers and artists in Paris at the time when the city was the cultural capital of the world.” The exhibit featuring this legendary Richmonder’s contribution to the world of art runs until September 8, 2013 (Update: Sept. 29). The admission cost is included in general admission.
For the full experience, combine a visit to the exhibit with eating at the unusual yet memorable Poe-themed eatery, Hiram Haines’ Coffee and Ale House (see our Food Section).
*Update: The Poe Museum has announced that the exhibit has been extended until September 29.
For the full experience, combine a visit to the exhibit with eating at the unusual yet memorable Poe-themed eatery, Hiram Haines’ Coffee and Ale House (see our Food Section).
*Update: The Poe Museum has announced that the exhibit has been extended until September 29.
