The Interpretation of the Myth of Narcissus in Marsilio Ficino, or the Aesthetics of Reflection

• In Event: Philosophy and Literature in Italy: Ficino, Patrizi, Alberti

Abstract

In the philosophy of Ficino, the only occurrence of the myth of Narcissus is in the "Commentarium in Convivium Platonis." The use of this myth by Ficino is both surprising and unexpected in a commentary that pretends to interpret accurately Plato's dialogue, in which, however, no reference to this myth can be found. Much more surprising is the lack of Narcissus story in the interpretation of "Enneads" by Ficino whereas Plotinus devoted several passages in his book to this myth. From such an imbalance in Ficino’s thought, the role and function of the myth of Narcissus can be examined in a Renaissance philosophy in which Platonism and Christianity find common ground. So our argument is that, through the myth of Narcissus, Ficino manages to bring together different sources without producing a univocal syncretism and develops its aesthetic reflection following a rhizomatic approach.

Author

• Elisabeth Roche-Grandpierre, Aix-Marseille Université