La metamorfosi di Earino. Amori efebici e encomio del principe tra Stazio e Marziale

This paper focuses on the representation of Earinus in Flavian homage poetry. In silv. 3, 4 Statius encompasses the Earinus episode in an encomiastic discourse that deals with Callimachean and Virgilian models. Moreover, Statius describes Earinus’ emasculation as an ‘Ovidian’ metamorphosis, painless and comparable to Achilles’ disguise at Scyrus. In the Silvae Statius also deplores the lack of virility of Earinus and the other pueri delicati prematurely dead (Glaucias, Philetus): he thus celebrates their effeminate beauty and at the same time their quasi-manhood.