The functions of ekphrasis in "The big sleep" by R.Chandler

The article analyses the ekphrasis of stained-glass panel and portrait in the novel "Big Sleep" by an Americal writer R.Chandler. In "tough" detective story ekphrasis usually is not paid attention to or it is considered to be 231 accidental. But if we read Chandler's novel carefully, it becomes clear that ekphrasis plays a significant role in the plot and gives the clue to the riddle to be detected. In ekphrasis exposition to the novel the plot and the main characters are described, but at the same time author ironically revalues romantic tradition and classic detective.