De ‘ekfrasis’ van de Pauw: Toeschouwer en schouwspel in de Tweede Sofistiek
- Irina De Herdt
Abstract
Studies of ekphrasis often focus exclusively on the descriptions of works of art, whereas the original meaning of this ancient rhetorical technique primarily concerns the ability to ‘place before the eyes’ a wide range of objects and situations. This article aims to disclose how several ekphraseis of the peacock in the Second Sophistic intentionally play with both dimensions. The variegated bird is not only an obvious metaphor of the sophistic orator, keen on displaying his rhetorical skills, it is also a ‘meta-ekphrastic’ image that reveals the tensions underlying the very principle of ekphrasis. Achilles Tatius, Libanius and Lucian in particular reveal the dazzling peacock to be an occasion to reflect upon the difficult relationships between art and nature, painting and writing, seeing and hearing.
How to Cite:
De Herdt, I., (2009) “De ‘ekfrasis’ van de Pauw: Toeschouwer en schouwspel in de Tweede Sofistiek”, Tetradio 18(1): 5, 113–134. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tetradio.91792
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