Philostratus and Mimēsis at the Heart of Phantasia : The Life of Apollonius of Tyana on Universal Creation

Abstract

Philostratus' Life of Apollonius of Tyana includes two much commented upon discussions of visual arts whose focus is on two forms of mimēsis (2.22) and on the distinction between mimēsis and phantasia (6.19). The article argues in favor of identifying the higher form of mimēsis from the first passage with phantasia from the second one.

More importantly still, it shows that arts have a special place in Philostratus' text, and that in virtue of their capacity to offer a grasp on the cosmic order, a grasp that reaches beyond abstract generalizing and takes advantage of the humankind's natural belief in its connection with the divine.

Keywords

• Philostratus
• mimēsis
• phantasia
• ancient painting
• ancient sculpture
• art and human nature