Defining a ‘Pseudo–Plato’ Epigrammatist

This chapter addresses the corpus of epigrams which were variously ascribed in ancient times to the philosopher Plato, which are now generally believed to be spurious, and their author is generally labelled as ps.–Plato. As often happens with pseudepigraphical literature, a convenient label of pseudo-X hides a series of complex dynamics of textual transmission and cultural history. This chapter focusses on the sub-set of erotic epigrams ascribed to Plato in order to show the complex reality behind the ‘pseudo-Plato’ label, which gathers texts ascribed to the philosopher for very different reasons (mistakes, forgeries, imitation). By problematising the conclusions of previous scholars (e.g. D.L. Page), it provides new insight into a particularly complex set of poems.

Architecture and Art History Studies · Classical Philosophy and Thought · Philosophy · Visual Culture and Art Theory