The Art of Love

The first two books of The Art of Love are dedicated to helping inexperienced, poor but educated, heterosexual men with their romantic pursuits. First, a man must “learn the spots that damsels most frequent” (Book 1, Line 50) to find a romantic partner. Ovid’s discussions of locations in Rome characterize it as urban, culturally rich, and full of leisure and recreational opportunities. After locating a potential partner in the theater or racetrack, a man must woo her. Ovid assures his male readers that “all women can be won” (Book 1, Line 269). With the right tactics, a man can convince just about any woman to consent.

One of the reasons Ovid’s advice reads as modern to contemporary readers is his practical and specific suggestions—rather than only waxing poetic about the vague emotional demands of love, he offers detailed and applicable instructions to his audience. One striking example is his lengthy exploration of proper personal hygiene and grooming—a section of the book that implies that men are often quite flawed in their self-presentation and have room for improvement. While “Man’s beauty needs no varnish” (Book 1, Line 509), men should be clean and well-kept and pay attention to their clothing and accessories.