Pauli Silentiarii. Ekphrasis of Hagia Sophia. Ekphrasis of the Ambo. Preface, Translation from Greek and Commentary by T.L. Aleksandrova

 
PIIS032103910006768-7-1
DOI10.31857/S032103910006768-7
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Affiliation:
A.M.Gorky Institute of World Literature, RAS
St. Tikhons Orthodox University
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Journal nameVestnik drevnei istorii
EditionVolume 79 Issue 2
Pages502-539
Abstract

The publication presents a poetic translation of the poem by Paul the Silentiary written by request of Justinian on the occasion of the reconsecration of the Hagia Sophia in 562. The poem is divided into two unequal parts, although in fact it represents a single piece, read before the Emperor, the Patriarch and the courtiers. The Ekphrasis contains an eulogy to Justinian as the chief builder of the church and glorifies the achievements of his reign, of which the construction of the Hagia Sophia, in the poet’s opinion, is the most outstanding deed. In the Ekphrasis the interior of the church is exhaustively described, so the poem is considered as necessary help for art historians. However, the Ekphrasis is not a technical description of the building, but an independent literary work, following the tradition of Alexandrian learned poetry and written in accordance with the early Byzantine aesthetic values.

KeywordsPaul the Silentiary, Ekphrasis, Hagia Sophia, Justinian, consecration, Byzantine poetry, Byzantine art, Byzantine architecture
Received24.09.2019
Publication date24.09.2019
Number of characters99510
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