Narrate and Describe: The Problem of Ekphrasis

TLDR

Ekphrasis, especially of works of art, has recently attracted attention from classical scholars because it raises key theoretical issues in classical and cultural studies. The note aims to discuss narratological issues raised by set‑piece description and examine an example in the Aeneid, focusing on ekphrasis of works of art while noting relevance to natural features. The author finds it impossible not to offer thoughts of a frighteningly general nature.

Abstract

The subject of ekphrasis, and in particular of the ekphrasis of works of art, has recently begun to receive a great deal of attention from classical scholars. As will become clear, I believe that the reason for this is that many of the theoretical issues that are most pressing in classical studies — and indeed in cultural studies in general — are raised by the study of ekphrasis. The purpose of this note on the other hand is modest: I want to say a little about the narratological issues that are raised by set-piece description (I), and to look at one example in the Aeneid (II). But even so I have found it impossible not to offer some thoughts of a frighteningly general nature (III). I shall concentrate on the ekphrasis of works of art for reasons that will again become clear, but some at least of what I shall say will also be relevant mutatis mutandis to the ekphrasis of natural features and events.