Description
Book SynopsisThis innovative interdisciplinary study compares the uses of painting in literary texts and films. In developing a framework of four types of ekphrasis, the author argues for the expansion of the concept of ekphrasis by demonstrating its applicability as interpretive tool to films about the visual arts and artists. Analyzing selected works of art by Goya, Rembrandt, and Vermeer and their ekphrastic treatment in various texts and films, this book examines how the medium of ekphrasis affects the representation of the visual arts in order to show what the differences imply about issues such as gender roles and the function of art for the construction of a personal or social identity. Because of its highly cross-disciplinary nature, this book is of interest not only to scholars of literature and aesthetics, but also for scholars of film studies. By providing an innovative approach to discussing non-documentary films about artists, the author shows that ekphrasis is a useful tool for exploring both aesthetic concerns and ideological issues in film. This study also addresses art historians as it deals with the reception of major artists in European literature and film throughout the 20th century.
Trade Review”Writing and Filming the Painting is a valuable addition to the exponentially growing area of ekphrastic studies” - Erik Martiny, in: English Studies, Vol. 94.6, October 2013 pp. 748-50
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Toward a Definition of Ekphrasis in Literature and Film Chapter 2:Methodology Chapter 3: Goya’s Sleep of Reason in Poetry, Drama and Film: Dramatizing the Artist’s Battle with his Creatures Chapter 4: Goya’s Sleep of Reason in Lion Feuchtwanger’s Novel and Konrad Wolf’s Film Adaptation: Private or Social Demons? Chapter 5: From Screenplay to Film: Rembrandt’s Self-Portraits and Social Identity Construction through Ekphrasis Chapter 6: Vermeer’s Women in Film and Fiction: Ekphrasis and Gendered Structures of Vision Chapter 7: Conclusion: The Cerebral and the Affective Function of Ekphrasis Works Cited Filmography List of Illustrations/Image Credits
