Wimmel interprete di Properzio: i problemi di II 1

This article examines some aspects of Wimmel's interpretation of Propertius II 1 (Kallimachos in Rom, 1960). e unity of II 1 has been repeatedly questioned and repeatedly defended. Wimmel believes that the presence of the theme of 'closeness to death' in the second part of II 1 is linked to the motif of 'old age' in the prologue of Callimachus' Aitia; the prologue of the Aitia would therefore be imitated by Propertius both in the rst part, containing a recusatio addressed to Maecenas in which Callimachus is mentioned, and in the second, and this would guarantee the unity of the elegy. In reality, such an argument appears very unconvincing. e di cult lines 51-56 are then examined. ere Propertius says that, even if he were subjected to the action of magical potions by three 'witches' (Phaedra, Circe, and Medea), he would remain faithful to his love for Cynthia. Phaedra's exemplum is particularly problematic. Also in this case, after discussing the interpretation of these lines, we examine and criticize the allegorizing explanation of Wimmel, who, again in an unconvincing way, sees the three sorceresses as overshadowing both the Telchines of Callimachus and Maecenas himself. Finally, we consider the Fortleben of Wimmel's explanation, particularly in the book by P.J. Heslin, Propertius, Greek Myth, and Virgil (2018).