Jeff Koons' Antiquity series is a profound exploration of art's history, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary expressions. This series, which includes works like Antiquity 3 and Antiquity (Manet), encapsulates Koons' ambition to engage with the rich tapestry of artistic heritage, drawing upon a diverse array of sources from classical sculptures to works by Old Masters​ (Jeff Koons)​​ (Jeff Koons)​.

The Antiquity series is characterized by its large-scale oil paintings that incorporate references to classical art, juxtaposed with modern imagery, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. For example, Antiquity (Manet), with its dimensions of 108 x 84 inches, showcases Koons' skill in blending different art historical periods into a single canvas, provoking a reconsideration of art's timeless qualities and its continual evolution​ (Jeff Koons)​.

The exhibition of these works at the Ashmolean Museum in 2019 further emphasized the conversation between Koons' artworks and the broader spectrum of art history. Curated in collaboration with Koons himself, the exhibition placed his pieces in direct "conversation" with the museum's extensive collections, ranging from prehistory to the present. This setting underscored Koons' work as a contemporary inquiry into the ways art can convey universal themes across time​ (Welcome)​.

Koons' engagement with the Antiquity series reflects not just a revisitation of art historical motifs but a complex interweaving of them with the sensibilities and technologies of the modern era. Through this series, Koons challenges viewers to consider the continuity of artistic creation, suggesting that despite the vast changes in context and technique, the fundamental human impulse to create and communicate through art remains unchanged. This blend of reverence and innovation makes the Antiquity series a significant milestone in Koons' career, offering a rich, multilayered experience that spans the spectrum of human history and creativity.