BMCR 2009.06.29: Adams on Galand-Hallyn, La villa et l'univers familial dans l'Antiquite/ et a\ la Renaissance. Rome et ses renaissances

Perrine Galand-Hallyn (ed.), La villa et l'univers familial dans
l'Antiquite/ et a\ la Renaissance. Rome et ses renaissances.  Paris:
Presses de l'Universite/ Paris-Sorbonne, 2008.  Pp. 292.  ISBN
9782840505389.  EUR 25.00 (pb).

Reviewed by Geoff W. Adams, University of Tasmania
([email protected])
Word count:  1955 words
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[Table of Contents at the end of the review.]

Reviewing this book poses some challenges: it covers a wide range of
topics, issues, sources of evidence, and time periods. The title might
suggest that the villa is a primary feature of the text (or perhaps
that was just my personal interpretation), but in reality this text
deals with both the 'villa' and the 'family' in unison and in
separation. This book is ambitious--it seeks to combine a wide range of
literary material from a broad time period, which can seem a little
puzzling at times when viewing the book as a whole (i.e., what is the
overall theme of this collection of essays?), but this should not be
taken as an indication of confused scholarship when looking at the
chapters in their own right.

The book is divided into two sections, with the first part analysing
the role and symbolism of villas ('La villa antique et humaniste:
repre/sentations et symbolisme'), and the second  examining familial
relations ('L'univers familial et ses repre/sentations antiques et
humanistes'). And when one looks at the interests of the editor
(Perrine Galand-Hallyn) it becomes clear what inspired this collection
of works, which illustrate the diversity of her interests. While the
legitimacy of this collection as being inspired by humanistic
literature does seem to be a bit of an intellectual stretch, its
quality has not suffered. So it must be noted that while the majority
of this work has stimulated the interest of the present reviewer, some
areas have received greater comment than others, owing to personal
familiarity with the current scholarship on individual topics.
Nevertheless, those areas that are 'less familiar' have been considered
simply on their engagement with the presented evidence in order to
determine the 'quality' of their scholarship. In general terms the
individual chapters present a high level of scholarship, which makes
this book a valuable source of intellectual discussion, particularly if
one is interested in fields beyond the traditional confines of a
'selective' discipline.

Silvie Agache's study ('La villa comme image de soi',  pp. 15-44)
incorporates a thorough analysis of the relationship between the
dominus and the various residences that could be owned and their
symbolism during the late Republican era. Embodied within this chapter
is a study of the contrast (and legitimate combination) of the concepts
of otium/luxuria and agricultural productivity and the paradoxical
nature of the literary descriptions of the villa complexes, such as
those by Horace and Cicero. She correctly highlights the importance of
allowing for the variation in villa site as an important consideration
in this regard,[[1]] especially in the consideration of the villa
structures located beyond the confines of the city, as at the villas on
the Via Gabina,[[2]] and the Villa of Voconius Pollio, for
example.[[3]]

'Descriptions de villas: Horace et Martial,' by Alain Deremetz provides
another careful study of the textual evidence for classical villas (pp.
45-60); but in this instance the focus is upon these two authors from
the imperial period, analysing the literary topoi for their
descriptions of this type of residence. Deremetz highlights the
progression in the literary images of villas from Horace to Martial in
a convincing fashion, although in the mind of the reviewer, it does
seem that more could be made of the different socio-political
environments of their time periods. Some attention could have also been
given to the physical remains of the site of Horace's villa at Licenza
in order to accentuate the diminutive nature of his poetic
imagery,[[4]] and how the description of the 'farm' was intended to
evoke notions of beauty and simplicity rather than reality.

The chapter by Wyler ('Le dionysisme dans les villes romaines', pp.
61-78) focuses on the presence of the Dionysiac cult within domestic
contexts and its symbolism for the various owners. This study presents
some methodological issues that needed to be addressed in greater
detail, particularly in relation to the difficulties in associating art
and intended room function.[[5]] The prevalence of this type of imagery
across the various time periods under discussion also needed to be
examined further because it presents an intrinsic concern with the
significance of this discussion. The selectivity in the use of evidence
is also another issue that needed to be dealt with, which is clearly
epitomised in some of the previous analyses surrounding the motifs
exhibited within the Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii.[[6]] However,
the breadth of this topic does provide a good transition from the
Classical to Renaissance periods, which is the topic of the remaining
studies of the first section ('La villa antique et humaniste:
repre/sentations et symbolisme'), which is highlighted by Galand-Hallyn
and Le/vy in the introduction (pp. 8-9).

Vagenheim ('Retour sur Pirro Ligorio et Francesco Contini a\ Tivoli',
pp. 79-92) has produced another interesting examination of the
interpretations of classical villas, but with the primary focus being
upon their later influence. The author's argument is that the discovery
of Hadrian's villa at Tivoli (and its subsequent interpretation) was
pivotal in the design of the later Villa d'Este, which is exhibited in
the original design of the structure (the 'Dechiaratione'). The basic
premise of this analysis seems sound, which is also to be largely
expected in view of the timing of the discovery of the site and also
the geographical connections between the sites. However, a more
comprehensive use of images and their ensuing discussion could have
added to the consequences of the argument even further.

The study of Bouscharain ('L'e/loge de la villa humaniste dans une
silve de Battista Spagnoli, le Mantouan', pp. 93-116) also focuses on
the influence of classical sources upon a later time period, but
instead considers the literature of Battista Spagnoli, who wrote during
the 15th century. Judging from the theme of this chapter, it does
appear evident that the literary representations of villas by Statius
correlate nicely with the later texts about the pastoral lifestyles
that were available on these extra-urban estates. However, in relation
to the discussion of the treatment of disease, the analysis could have
also included mention of Catullus (Carmen 44), Fronto (Ad Amicos 1.6)
and Pliny the Younger (Epistulae 1.12.6) for example, which also extols
the health benefits from residing in the countryside.

This romanticism and humanitas is also the primary focus for the
chapter by Galand-Hallyn ('Aspects du discourse humaniste sur la villa
au XVI sie\cle', pp. 117-43), on the idealistic literary
representations of villas during the 16th century. This study examines
the various functions that were inherent within the ownership of such
establishments, which clearly outline the multiplicity of their roles
within this time period. The duality of otium and negotium during this
later period has clear analogies with the classical period, and it is
evident from this piece that this seems to have been one of the primary
motivations for the production of this book over all.

It is at this point that the second section of the book is introduced
('L'univers familial et ses repre/sentations antiques et humanistes').
The study of Laurand (Philosophie et politique: la 're/fe/rence'
ambigue+ de Musonius Rufus aux lois d'Auguste sur le marriage', pp.
147-68) focuses on the interpretation of marriage during the reign of
Augustus, with particular reference to the works of Cassius Dio
(61.1-10) and Musonius Rufus (13-15). The primary emphasis is on the
influence of Augustan marriage legislation on the later philosophies of
Musonius. This argument provides a significant break from the majority
of scholarship on Augustus' marriage legislation, which focuses more
directly upon the socio-political role that it was intended to serve
(i.e., as a political platform). The later influence of these policies
upon subsequent philosophical thought is an intriguing idea, but it
must also be noted that to establish such a connection clearly
requires more detailed analysis than is possible in a study of this
length (particularly with the prevalence of Stoic influence in the
writings of Musonius rather than 'Roman' doctrine).

The study of Leroux ('Le lien conjugal dans les trage/dies de
Se/ne\que', pp. 169-90) on the tragedies of Seneca and the
representation of the female role within a marriage seems plausible,
though--to the mind of this reviewer--the primary role of the 'yoke'
motif is more suggestive of the marital connection rather than that of
oppression. Certainly the tyranny of the yoke would suggest that the
oppression by the marital 'yoke' was equally shared between both
parties. All the same, this could simply be down to a difference in
interpretation between the author and reviewer. But with this
difference in mind, it is still important to note the thoroughness of
the scholarship that is present throughout the study itself.

The chapter by Franchet D'Espe\rey ('Principe fe/minin et principe
conjugal dans la The/bai+de de Stace,' pp. 191-204) presents some
promising moments, particularly in relation to celebrating the role of
domestic environments during the period under question, but in the mind
of the reviewer the general discussion needs to be expanded much
further to engage with more aspects that are a key feature of Statius'
literature. The premise of incorporating all of the elements under
discussion (opposition to violence; feminine passivism; anti-barbarism;
conjugality) in this chapter needs to be dealt with in much greater
depth in order to convincingly establish the premise of the evolution
of Statius' epic.

Nassichuk ('Le retour a\ la Villa familiale Dans une e/le/gie de
Giovanni Pontano,' pp. 205-14) has presented a study of the later
representations of love and marriage that do appear to have epitomised
the importance of such connections,  reminiscent of the ideals espoused
by Horace during the Classical period. The primary focus of this
chapter is upon Giovanni Pontano and his writings, which provide some
correlation with prior elegiac composition, and seem reminiscent of
themes    prevalent in the earlier period.

Smeesters ('Les 'Naeniae' de Pontano et la re/flexion pe/dagogique du
Quattrocento', pp. 215-32) also treats Giovanni Pontano, but focuses in
addition on the reflections that the 'Naeniae' provide for our
understanding of children and domestic life at the time. This is also
considered in connection with the influence of earlier classical
writers such as Plutarch and Quintilian, with the overall argument of
Smeesters seeming quite convincing, particularly in light of the
nurturing aspect within the texts.

The study of Se/ris ('Maternite/ et allatement dans la Paedotrophia de
Sce/vole de Sainte-Marthe', pp. 233-53) also treats the influence of
classical traditions on later thought, but instead analyses the
progression of medical doctrine into the 16th century. The discussion
of the symbolism of the milk/language connection within these theories
also appears quite convincing, which is particularly interesting in
light of modern theories of mother-infant bonding.

Table of Contents:

Galand-Hallyn, P. and Le/vy, C., "Introduction".

Agache, S., "La villa comme image de soi (Rome antique, des origins a\
la fin de la Re/publique)".

Deremetz, A., "Descriptions de villas: Horace et Martial".

Wyler, S., "Le dionysisme dans les villes romaines: initiation
familiale ou contre-mode\le social?".

Vagenheim, G., "Retour sur Pirro Ligorio et Francesco Contini a\
Tivoli. Le plan de la villa d'Hadrien et son explication
(Dechiaratione)".

Bouscharain, A., "L'e/loge de la villa humaniste dans une silve de
Battista Spagnoli, le Mantouan: la Villa Refrigerii (c. 1478)".

Galand-Hallyn, P., "Aspects du discourse humaniste sur la villa au XVI
sie\cle (Crinito, Brie, Macrin, L'Hospital)".

Laurand, V., "Philosophie et politique: la 're/fe/rence' ambigue+ de
Musonius Rufus aux lois d'Auguste sur le marriage. Une lecture de Dion
Cassius, Histoire romaine, LVI,1-10 et de Musonius, XIII-XV".

Leroux, V., "Le lien conjugal dans les trage/dies de Se/ne\que".

Franchet D'Espe\rey, S., "Principe fe/minin et principe conjugal dans
la The/bai+de de Stace".

Nassichuk, J., "Le retour a\ la Villa familiale Dans une e/le/gie de
Giovanni Pontano".

Smeesters, A., "Les 'Naeniae' de Pontano et la re/flexion pe/dagogique
du Quattrocento".

Se/ris, E/., "Maternite/ et allatement dans la Paedotrophia de Sce/vole
de Sainte-Marthe".


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Notes:


1.   Smith, J.T., 1997, Roman Villas: a Study in Social Structure,
Routledge: London.

2.   Widrig, W.M., 1980, "Two sites on the Ancient Via Gabina", in K.
Palmer (ed.), Roman Villas in Italy, British Museum Press: London, pp.
119-40.

3.   Mielsch, H., 1987, Die Roemische Villa, Beck: Munich.

4.   Frischer, B., Crawford, J. and De Simone, M. (eds.), 2006, The
Horace's Villa Project 1997-2003, Volume 1 and 2, Archaeopress: Oxford.

5.   Allison, P.M., 2004, Pompeian Households: an analysis of the
material culture, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, Monograph 42: Los
Angeles.

6.   For examples of this discussion, see Mudie Cooke, P.B., 1913, "The
Paintings of the Villa Item at Pompeii", JRS 3, pp. 157-174; Bieber,
M., 1928, "Der Mysteriensaal der Villa Item", Jahrbuch des Deutschen
Archaeologischen Instituts 43, pp. 298-330; Toynbee, J., 1929, "The
Villa Item and a Bride's Ordeal", JRS 19, pp. 67-113; Hearnshaw, V.,
1999, "The Dionysiac Cycle in the Villa of the Mysteries: a
Re-reading", Meditarch 12, pp. 43-50; Longfellow, B., 2000, "A Gendered
Space? Location and Function of Rooms in the Villa of the Mysteries",
in Gazda, E.K. (ed.), The Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii--ancient
ritual, modern muse, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology: Ann Arbor, pp.
25-37.