Unraveling Classical Art in Paris

By: Mariah Dominguez

Ancient Greece and Rome left behind a rich heritage that goes beyond historical analysis to give timeless insights into the principles of Western civilization, influencing our views on philosophy, politics, art, and culture. I wanted to explore the influence of classical antiquity on Paris's cultural and political landscapes. My goal was to analyze how classical ideals have been preserved, reinterpreted, and integrated into the city. Through visits to key historical sites and museums, I sought to identify how Paris embodies and reflects the legacy of ancient Greece and Rome.

About Me:

I am a first-generation Latina woman from Arizona. I have studied Ancient Greek and Latin since 6th grade and have pursued it since. I am a Political Science/ Classics Major. It has been a dream of mine to go to Italy and visit the Louvre. It holds so much rich history of the ancient world and I was able to go first hand to see all the incredible artifacts and paintings that I have spent all my teen years looking at from a screen. It was truly an incredible experience and one I wish to go again in the future.

The Louvre

Pottery changed during the Greek Archaic period (900–500 BCE) from being mostly used in funerals to being an important component of daily life and trade. While smaller vessels like amphorae and oinochoe were created for pouring wine, larger kraters served as punch bowls.

Greek pottery often depict dramatic mythical stories with a focus on themes like as tragedy, pride, and fate.

Most have been stolen from Ancient Greece and Italy and have been preserved over the years.

Arènes de Lutèce

Oath of the Horatii

During my time in Paris, I was able to visit Rue Saint-Jacques, Arènes de Lutèce, and Musée d'Orsay. All of which were rich with historical history, but I learned the most from my days at the Louvre. The Oath of the Horatii is a famous painting by Jacques-Louis David that shows three brothers from the Horatii family swearing an oath to defend Rome, while their father holds up their swords. I have spent years sitting in front of this painting in high school. I was able to take in the full painting in all of its glory and it was unbelievable. The painting is about loyalty, sacrifice, and duty to the state over personal feelings. It’s a powerful example of neoclassical art, with a strong sense of drama.

Venus de Milo

I was able to be face-to-face with the statue of Venus de Milo. Found on the island of Milos in 1820, it’s one of the most iconic sculptures in art history. I had the honor of writing and presenting on the Capitoline of Venus in Italy, which is a representation of Venus de Milo. This statue was significant for being a presentation of Aphrodite of Knidos sculpted by Praxiteles around 350 BCE. It was the first sculpture to display a woman, Venus, completely vulnerable and naked. The Venus de Milo created a few centuries later, continued this tradition of representing Aphrodite in a sensual and idealized way, celebrating the human body as both natural and divine.

Throughout my stay, I was able to visit and learn about the city of Paris. Paris, originally called Lutetia, was founded by the Parisii, a Gallic tribe, but was later Romanized after Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul in the 1st century BCE. The Romans brought their culture, architecture, and infrastructure to the city, building roads, aqueducts, baths, and an amphitheater, much of which was inspired by Roman urban planning. This marked Paris as part of the Roman Empire and connected it to the broader world of Latin culture. The Roman influence in Paris can still be seen today like the Arènes de Lutèce, the Roman amphitheater, and the Thermes de Cluny, the remains of Roman baths. Like the Louvre, these structures reflect the spread of Roman civilization and its lasting impact on modern European cities.

Advice:

Make a detailed schedule of where you want to go! Reach out to those who have been abroad and find the best areas to explore while you are there. Keep a detailed notebook and do not be afraid to ask questions to everyone!

After my adventures in France, I took a block abroad in Italy where I was able to continue my studies of Ancient Art.

This grant help prepare me for this class as well as giving me more details into the intricate history of Ancient Greek and Roman Stories and Art.

Moving Foward:

I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and hope to write my Senior Thesis next year on the impacts of Ancient stories and art focusing on the implications of women and history through a political lens.

Contact Me:

If you have any questions about my trip abroad to Paris please contact me: m_dominguez@coloradocollege.edu. Let me know of any questions about Classics and Ancient Greek and Latin culture!

Oath of the Horatii

Venus de Milo