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Ars amatoria
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Illustration of "The Lamb" from "Songs of Innocence" by William Blake, 1879. poem; poetry
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Latin:
ā€œArt of Loveā€
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Ars amatoria

work by Ovid
Also known as: ā€œArt of Loveā€
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Ars amatoria, poem by Ovid, published about 1 bce. Ars amatoria comprises three books of mock-didactic elegiacs on the art of seduction and intrigue. One of the authorā€™s best-known works, it contributed to his downfall in 8 ce on allegations of immorality. The work, which presents a fascinating portrait of the sophisticated and hedonistic Roman aristocracy, attained wide popularity in its day. The message of this brilliant treatise was essentially subversive to the official program of moral reforms then being promoted by Augustus, and it cannot have been well received by those who were seriously committed to the goals and aspirations of Augustanism.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.