TWO-VOICE TEXTURE OF EKPHRASIS. FIGURE OF LOVE – EKPHRASTIC FORMS IN THE OEUVRE OF SVETISLAV MANDIĆ

Abstract

This paper deals with ekphrasis in the poetry and essays by Svetislav Mandic, in their particular form, method of creation, and function, in relation to the author’s profile and the specific position of his oeuvre in terms of literary history. The ekphrastic nature of Mandic’s oeuvre is discussed using several characteristic examples from his essays and lyrical poetry. At the same time, what is emphasised is the fact that various forms of picturesque and iconic descriptions in Mandic’s oeuvre are not necessarily ekphrastic, which means that particular attention should be paid not to exaggerate about the significance of the ekphrase as regards the overall enterprise of Mandic. The final conclusion about the nature of Mandic’s ekphrasis – that it implies figures of love – is based upon the analysis of the examples presented in the paper.