Boston Getting Life Size Bronze Sculpture of Edgar Allan Poe

Posted on April 16, 2014

The city of Boston is getting an amazing, life-size bronze statue of Edgar Allan Poe this fall. The Edgar Allan Poe Foundation of Boston has raised funds and secured all the permissions needed for the commission of artwork to commemorate Poe's work. WBUR reports that sculptor Stefanie Rocknak has won the commission, beating out 265 other applicants. Her sculpture is titled "Poe Returning to Boston" is being created now at New England Sculpture Services in Chelsea.

Rocknak created a literal paper trail behind her Poe sculpture. She says in her description of her work, "His ideas are jumping off the page and cascading out of his trunk; a heart lies just behind him, and an oversized Raven explodes to the south. The Raven, which has become symbolic of Poe's brooding creative spirit, visually reflects Poe; his coat mimics the raven's wing, and, like a bird, Poe is slightly pigeon-toed. They are one, heading up-wind towards their final resting place."

My Modern Met reports that the sculpture is life-sized at around 5' 8" tall. The sculpture will be unveiled on October 5, 2014, which is two days before the 165th anniversary of Poe's death. The sculpture will be installed at the corner of Boylston Street and Charles Street South which is two blocks north of where Poe was born in 1809.

Stephen King and his wife Tabitha have donated to the project, which has a budget of $200,000. It's a fantastic piece of artwork which will be an asset to the city of Boston. This is the clay sculpture that is being forged in bronze.

Photos: Stefanie Rocknak