Ars Amatoria; or, The Art Of Love / Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious Notes

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

47677

Title

Ars Amatoria; or, The Art Of Love / Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious Notes

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Ovid's *Ars Amatoria* offers witty, practical advice on seduction and courtship in ancient Rome. This prose translation by Henry T. Riley guides lovers through finding partners, mastering etiquette at public spectacles, and enhancing personal charm, blending humor with Roman social customs.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Ars Amatoria*, Ovid presents a three-book guide to the 'art of love,' offering men instruction on how to locate, woo, and retain a partner in ancient Rome. The first book focuses on the hunt for a lover, advising men to frequent bustling public spaces such as the theaters, forums, and the Circus. Ovid suggests that these venues are fertile grounds for romance, where spectators can observe potential partners and engage in subtle courtship rituals. He recommends specific gestures to spark affection, such as brushing dust from a lady's dress, offering a cushion, or raising a trailing mantle, noting that even minor acts of service can lead to a deeper connection. The text also highlights the dangers of these public games, where the excitement of the crowd often leads to hasty, regrettable liaisons. The second book shifts focus to female grooming and the art of concealment. Ovid argues that artifice is essential to enhancing natural beauty, comparing the transformation of raw materials into art to the way women use cosmetics and clothing to improve their appearance. He details techniques for styling hair, applying makeup, and using dyes to cover grey hair or freckles. Furthermore, he instructs women on how to hide physical imperfections through posture and dress; for instance, a short woman should sit rather than stand, while one with high shoulders might use padding. Ovid emphasizes that beauty is a craft, and that hiding one's flaws is not shameful but a necessary skill for maintaining charm. The third book addresses the longevity of love and the passage of time. Ovid reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging, urging readers to seize the moment. He acknowledges that even goddesses are not exempt from time's effects, yet he encourages women not to fear granting favors to men, as their beauty remains valuable regardless of age. Throughout the work, Ovid balances playful wit with serious observations on human desire, framing love as a skill that can be learned and mastered, much like sailing or warfare. The poem concludes with a reminder that while time eventually claims all, the pursuit of affection is a universal and enduring human experience.

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry