There was a craze for ancient art in the 19th century, inspired by the Napoleonic conquests and the discovery of archaeological sites in Italy, Greece and Egypt. Artists began to use artworks from the classical period as models and sources of inspiration or guidance. Marvelling at the wonders of archaeological ruins, architects, painters and sculptors borrowed heavily from forms bequeathed by classical antiquity.

Fashion was also influenced by this enthusiasm for antiquity, with short hairstyles, cascading curls and décolleté gowns that reflected the Greek goddess Psyche and Roman dress...