ecphrasis Definition
a vivid and elaborate description of a work of art, such as a painting, sculpture, or film.
Using ecphrasis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ecphrasis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The poem is an ecphrasis of a painting by Rembrandt.
Example
Her novel includes an ecphrasis of a sculpture by Michelangelo.
ecphrasis Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for ecphrasis
Phrases with ecphrasis
a type of ecphrasis that describes visual art, such as paintings, sculptures, or films
Example
The author's use of visual ecphrasis in describing the painting was particularly effective.
a type of ecphrasis that describes literary works, such as poems, novels, or plays
Example
The poet's use of literary ecphrasis in describing the landscape was breathtaking.
ekphrastic poetry
poetry that describes a work of art, often in vivid detail
Example
The museum hosted an event featuring ekphrastic poetry inspired by the paintings on display.
Origins of ecphrasis
from Greek 'ekphrasis', meaning 'description'
Summary: ecphrasis in Brief
'Ecphrasis' [ek-fruh-sis] refers to a vivid and elaborate description of a work of art, such as a painting, sculpture, or film. It can be used in various forms of art, including literature, and is often used to describe visual art in particular. Examples include 'The poem is an ecphrasis of a painting by Rembrandt.' and 'Her novel includes an ecphrasis of a sculpture by Michelangelo.'