• Date: 1945
  • Sculptor: Hans Schuler
  • Medium & size: Bronze bust.
  • Location: Hall of Fame, Bronx Community College, 2155 University Avenue, Bronx.

Hans Schuler, Sidney Lanier, 1945. Hall of Fame of Great Americans, Bronx. Photo copyright © 2019 Dianne L. Durante

Lanier’s Life

Lanier, born in Macon, Georgia (2/3/1842-9/7/1881) dreamed of living as a musician, poet, and scholar in Europe – an unconventional choice for a Southern gentleman. His plans were dashed when the Civil War broke out. Lanier joined the Confederate Army, and after a short time as a blockade runner was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp, where he contracted the tuberculosis that killed him at age 39.

Meanwhile, after brief, unsatisfying stints in business, Lanier set out to make a life in the arts. His accomplishments as a flautist (he eventually became first flute at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore) make him the only notable American poet who was also a musician; he is known for the musicality of his innovative verse. In 1879 he was invited to join the faculty of the recently established Johns Hopkins University. He died barely 2 years later.

Favorite Lanier quotes

My principle is, the artist shall put forth, humbly & lovingly, without bitterness, the very best & highest that is within him, utterly regardless of contemporary criticism.


Letter to the poet’s father May 6 1876.


And yet shall Love himself be heard,
Though long deferred, though long deferred:
O’er the modern waste a dove hath whirred:
Music is Love in search of a word.


“The Symphony” (1875)

More

  • See Jane S. Gabin. “Lanier, Sidney”, in American National Biography Online, and the Sidney Lanier page on the Poetry Foundation site for a lengthy critique.
  • In Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You Love, I demonstrate a method for looking at sculptures in detail, in depth, and on your own. Learn to enjoy your favorite sculptures more, and find new favorites. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. More here.
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