By the Fireside : Gaspar Becerra
By the Fireside : Gaspar Becerra - meaning Summary
Art Born from the Near
The poem tells of a discouraged artist who, after failing to render an idealized Virgin from imported wood, sleeps and is roused to work. He quenches a glowing ember and carves a successful image from the immediate material. The closing lines generalize the lesson: artists—sculptors, painters, poets—should shape their work from what lies nearest rather than pursuing remote ideals.
Read Complete AnalysesBy his evening fire the artist Pondered o'er his secret shame; Baffled, weary, and disheartened, Still he mused, and dreamed of fame. 'T was an image of the Virgin That had tasked his utmost skill; But, alas! his fair ideal Vanished and escaped him still. From a distant Eastern island Had the precious wood been brought Day and night the anxious master At his toil untiring wrought; Till, discouraged and desponding, Sat he now in shadows deep, And the day's humiliation Found oblivion in sleep. Then a voice cried, 'Rise, O master! From the burning brand of oak Shape the thought that stirs within thee!' And the startled artist woke,-- Woke, and from the smoking embers Seized and quenched the glowing wood; And therefrom he carved an image, And he saw that it was good. O thou sculptor, painter, poet! Take this lesson to thy heart: That is best which lieth nearest; Shape from that thy work of art.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.