Welcome to Poem of the Day – On A Portrait of Wordsworth by B. R. Haydon
B. R. Haydon, a celebrated English artist, captured the essence of Wordsworth through both his art and poetry. One of his most famous poems, “On A Portrait of Wordsworth,” speaks to the deep admiration he had for the poet and his work. This article will explore the meaning and significance of Haydon’s poem, providing a clear explanation of its themes and the message it conveys.
On A Portrait of Wordsworth Poem
Wordsworth upon Helvellyn ! Let the cloud
Ebb audibly along the mountain-wind,
Then break against the rock, and show behind
The lowland valleys floating up to crowd
The sense with beauty. He with forehead bowed
And humble-lidded eyes, as one inclined
Before the sovran thought of his own mind,
And very meek with inspirations proud,
Takes here his rightful place as poet-priest
By the high altar, singing prayer and prayer
To the higher Heavens. A noble vision free
Our Haydon’s hand has flung out from the mist:
No portrait this, with Academic air !
This is the poet and his poetry.
On A Portrait of Wordsworth Explanation
Understanding the Poem
In “On A Portrait of Wordsworth,” Haydon describes his emotions upon viewing a portrait of William Wordsworth. Wordsworth, a renowned poet of the Romantic era, was known for his profound connection with nature and his ability to convey deep emotions through simple, yet powerful language. The poem reflects Haydon’s appreciation for Wordsworth’s contribution to literature and the way his work touched the hearts of many.
The Role of the Portrait
The poem is sparked by Haydon’s reaction to a painting of Wordsworth. In this portrait, the poet is depicted with a certain seriousness that reflects his intense nature. The portrait serves as a symbol of Wordsworth’s poetic spirit—quiet, introspective, and deeply rooted in the natural world. Haydon’s poem highlights the connection between the external image and the internal world of the poet.
Admiration for Wordsworth
Through the lines of the poem, Haydon expresses his reverence for Wordsworth. He praises Wordsworth’s ability to capture the profound beauty of the natural world in his poetry. Haydon acknowledges the poet’s immense influence on literature and his role in elevating poetry to a level that transcends mere words. The poet’s connection to nature, particularly his ability to reflect its grandeur and complexity in simple language, is a theme that Haydon emphasizes in his poem.
The Influence of Romanticism
The poem is deeply rooted in the Romantic ideals of the time. Romanticism was a movement that celebrated emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. In “On A Portrait of Wordsworth,” Haydon aligns himself with these values, celebrating Wordsworth’s deep sensitivity and his ability to make the personal universal. The simplicity of the poem’s language mirrors Wordsworth’s poetic style, reinforcing the themes of the beauty of nature and the importance of emotional expression.
Poetry as a Reflection of Character
Haydon’s poem also reflects his belief in the power of art to convey character. The portrait of Wordsworth, in Haydon’s eyes, is not merely an image but a window into the soul of the poet. The poem emphasizes how the external world—whether through painting, poetry, or other forms of art—can capture the inner workings of the human spirit. In this sense, Haydon’s poem is not just a tribute to Wordsworth, but also a meditation on the nature of artistic representation and its ability to reveal deeper truths about a person’s character.
Conclusion
“On A Portrait of Wordsworth” by B. R. Haydon is a beautiful example of how art and poetry can intersect to capture the essence of a person’s spirit. Through the portrait of Wordsworth, Haydon is able to express his admiration for the poet and explore the deeper connection between a person’s inner world and the way they are represented in art. The poem is a reflection of Haydon’s appreciation for Wordsworth’s literary contributions and his lasting influence on the world of poetry. Through his simple yet profound language, Haydon’s poem conveys a timeless message about the power of art to express the soul’s deepest emotions.
