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Epigram
(920 words)

1. Concept

The epigram, as a small-scale poetical work on the margins of the generic spectrum of lyric poetry, in the early modern period became the classic format for the concise evocation and analysis of experiences. According to its original meaning, the epigram in Greco-Roman Antiquity was “inscribed” (Greek epígramma) on tombstones or votive gifts. The book epigram recalls this only as its foundation myth, imitating the brevity of such inscriptions in the abbreviated…

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Althaus, Thomas, “Epigram”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_COM_018816>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20170626



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