Letters 12-16 of Aeneas of Gaza

A few more letters of the early 6th century sophist, Aeneas of Gaza. 12. To the Sophist Epiphanius. For other lovers, the mere sight of the beloved’s sandal suffices to relieve the pangs of love. But you ask for portraits of both soul and body. Words, which clearly interpret thought, truly delineate the soul itself, and that is precisely why they are given you. For my part I had resolved never again to have an image of an image reproduced. Yet, out of regard for your affection, I summoned the portraitist who resides here, and I sat before him, motionless of face, maintaining a solemn silence, and holding my pose, and allowed art to mirror nature. Having captured my likeness, the painter’s hand fixed it and rendered it in colour. The portrait is now with you, so that you may converse with it and gaze upon it, and have nothing less than those who stand beside me. The excellent Euthymius performs this service for us, willingly braving the sea to do so; which seems to be a hard thing for…

Commenting on Bubbles has been removed. Why? If you want to talk about this post, write to the author, use the comments on their blog if it has them, or reply with a "RE:" post on your own blog. Suggestions? feedback@bubbles.town