Reusing and redisplaying antiquities in early modern France

This essay examines attitudes towards the display, study and protection of Roman antiquities, including inscriptions, bas-reliefs, and statues, in southern France, looking particularly at the towns of Arles, Nîmes and Vienne. There are plenty of examples of the destruction of ancient remains in this period, especially ancient structures that obstructed modern building projects, but various people and institutions also laid claim to Roman material. Kings and their lieutenants removed objects, but also told towns to maintain what they had. Civic governments began to display pieces that affirmed their cities’ ancient past and tried to preserve ancient buildings, sometimes by collaborating with religious orders. Collectively, the efforts of these different individuals and institutions contributed to a shared sense of local heritage.