A literary or artistic technique where a work of art (like a painting or sculpture) is described in such vivid detail that the reader feels they can see it.
From Greek 'ekphrasis,' literally 'speaking out' from 'ek-' (out) and 'phrasis' (telling or speech). The technique became famous in classical poetry when Greek and Roman writers would write elaborate descriptions of artworks, shields, and scenes.
When Homer spent dozens of lines describing Achilles' shield in the Iliad, he was doing ecphrasis—and it was revolutionary! Ancient audiences couldn't see the actual shield, but his words painted such a clear picture that they could imagine every golden detail. This is why museum audio guides are basically doing ecphrasis today.
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