Edgar Allen Poe’s poem “The Raven” was published in 1845, and made him famous almost instantly on its publication. Melancholy and dark, the poem describes a raven delivering the word “Nevermore” in response to the protagonist’s inquiry about his lover.

I chose to depict the raven after delivering his message, at the edge of the woods in the last light of day. Ravens are wildly intelligent creatures, and I like to imagine Poe’s raven flitted away from him and went on to deliver many more messages.

Acrylic on wood, 12” round, ready to hang.