Cy Twombly's art in the 1960s marked a significant evolution in his career, showcasing a deeper exploration into abstract expressionism intertwined with classical and historical themes. During this period, Twombly's work was heavily influenced by his relocation to Rome in 1957, where the city's rich tapestry of classical antiquity and contemporary urban life profoundly impacted his artistic direction. This juxtaposition of the ancient world's grandeur and the gritty realities of modern Rome fueled Twombly's creativity, leading to a body of work that is both reflective and innovative. In the early 1960s, particularly between 1962 and 1964, Twombly focused on monumental events from Italian and Roman history, as seen in works like "Ides of March" (1962). This painting, among others from this phase, reflects Twombly's immersion in the culture and history of his adopted city, blending influences from the ancient world with his unique painting style and contemporary sensibility. The "Ides of March" and similar works from this period are characterized by a return to color, a departure from Twombly's earlier predominantly monochromatic palette. The artist himself noted that living abroad inspired him to create large-scale color paintings, a practice he believed he wouldn't have pursued had he remained in America. This shift towards color and the abandonment of the all-over painting technique allowed Twombly to introduce white space in his canvases, possibly inspired by the Mediterranean light or serving a symbolic function related to classical notions of intellect or memory​ (www.wikiart.org)​. Twombly's engagement with the classical world is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deep, intellectual exploration. His work in the 1960s often inscribed mythological figures' names, drawing from classical sources that became more accessible during his time in Southern Italy. This period saw Twombly producing cycles of works based on myths, including "Leda and the Swan" and "The Birth of Venus," which intertwined mythological themes with the abstract expressionist style. These works demonstrate Twombly's ability to draw upon literary and mythological content, infusing it with a modern artistic language that resists straightforward interpretation. His series "Nine Discourses on Commodus" (1963) was a notable example from this period, although it received mixed reviews from critics​ (Wikipedia)​. Moreover, Twombly's art from the 1960s cannot be fully appreciated without considering his unique approach to incorporating text and drawing. His works often feature names, phrases, and excerpts of poetry, creating a rich tapestry of visual and literary elements that invite viewers to engage in a multisensory experience. This blending of text and image is emblematic of Twombly's broader artistic practice, which consistently sought to break down boundaries between different artistic mediums and historical periods​ (Getty Art)​​ (Gagosian)​. Cy Twombly's work during the 1960s represents a critical juncture in his career, where his deepening engagement with the classical past and his innovative use of color, text, and abstraction coalesced into a distinctive artistic voice that has left a lasting impact on the art world.