“I have no objection to anyone’s sex life as long as they don’t practice it in the street and frighten the horses.”
– Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Let me take you back to an amusing discovery I made in the excellent Acropolis Museum in Athens when I was there in February.
I don’t mean to disrespect or make fun of a culture or history, but isn’t the woman in this photo flashing her tit?
The ancient Greeks were not shy about portraying the full natural beauty of the human body, both male and female, which is refreshing in these so-called modern times when genitalia is practically pornography, not artistic realism, reflecting the morally puritan view that arose some time in the intervening millenia.
And in this scene, recreated from a frieze that was once above the portal of the Parthenon itself, which is now on display prominently in the excellent Acropolis Museum, this woman is flagrantly exposing her breast.
Intentionally. I mean, that’s no wardrobe malfunction.
In today’s context, isn’t that funny?
Why, if the ancient culture is so revered today for its artistic beauty and sensitivity, did society at some point deem certain portrayals beyond proper representation. Not even the horses are frightened any more.
I’d contend that it’s not lascivious, lewd or imprudent, it’s celebration of the reality of our natural selves as human beings, recognized by our forebears thousands of years ago as forthrightly and more naturally than today.
Then again, maybe even my bringing it up here in this context makes me the guilty party. I may stand accused.
Nevertheless, I invite you, if you’re so inclined, to include your funniest caption for this photo in your comments below.
May long live Greece! Been there twice and loved it both times.
Yes. They are real. Let me show you!