Martial and the cynic: sculpture and poetry or on the limits of inspiration on epigram 4.53

Abstract

In this article, we analyze epigram 4.53 and the caricature of the false cynic it contains from a double perspective. On the one hand, the examination of the context and of the skeptic motif at the strictly literary level allows us to confirm the footprint of the Helle-nistic epigram as a source of inspiration, as well as the thorough work of rewriting carried out by the poet from Bilbilis. On the other hand, the consideration of the epigram as an ekphrastic product gives evidence of the relevance of artistic manifestations in Martial’s text, while also highlighting the reciprocal influence of art and poetry in his work.