ecphrasis

[ek-fruh-sis]

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

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'

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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.'