Epigram Reading Epigram: Antipater of Sidon “Coming Second” (Anth. Pal. 9.25)

Abstract

Anthologia Palatina 9.25, an important testimonium for the reception of Aratus’ Phaenomena, is either ascribed to Leonidas of Tarentum or Antipater in the manuscript tradition. In this article, I propose that the epigram was authored by Antipater of Sidon. First, I demonstrate that the poem, which—as I suggest—is modeled on Callimachus 56 HE (Epigr. 27 Pf.), self-consciously reflects its own secondary position within the literary tradition. Secondly, I show that this interest in epigonism is closely paralleled by epigrams authored by Antipater of Sidon, which exhibit both a similar imitative method and an interest in “secondness.” In so doing, my analysis also suggests innovative approaches for the readings of several of Antipater’s epigrams and sheds new light on his poetics of imitation more generally.