Portrait of Edgar Allan Poe

Artist: Vera Smirnova
Medium: Acrylic and tempera 
Dimensions: Drawing 8" x 10"; Frame 12" x 15"

Description:
Rendered in a haunting grayscale palette, Vera Smirnova’s Portrait of Edgar Allan Poe captures the brooding intensity of the legendary American writer. Using a blend of acrylic and tempera paints, Smirnova creates a striking likeness that pays homage to Poe’s literary legacy of mystery and melancholy.

The portrait is tightly composed and classically styled, with sharp contrasts and finely modeled features that highlight Poe’s intelligent gaze and solemn expression. The brushwork is deliberate, with subtle texture in the background and clothing that lends depth without distraction.

Smirnova’s choice of monochrome echoes the gothic tone of Poe’s work, creating a timeless image that feels both reverent and quietly unsettling. This piece serves as both a portrait and a tribute, inviting viewers to confront the enigma of a literary mind that continues to inspire and intrigue.