Ten of the best examples of ekphrasis

At the Guardian, John Mullan named ten of the best examples of ekphrasis--the recreation in words of a work of art.

One epic poem on the list:

The Iliad by Homer

Homer describes the shield of Achilles, fashioned by the god Hephaestus to include the Earth, the Heavens and the Sea, as well as scenes of human endeavour and strife. The shield depicted two cities, one besieged by foes, scenes of planting and harvest and tableaux of dancing maidens and youths.

Read about a novel on Mullan's list.

The Iliad also appears on James Anderson Winn's five best list of works of war poetry and Mullan's list of ten of the best funerals in literature.

--Marshal Zeringue