The early bird catches the figs! What a way to start a day. This one is for all the fig lovers out there 🙋♀️ (or pears!) and for those who like a cheeky bird too
Erotic scenes were part of the vibrant culture of fresco painting in Pompeii. It was conventional to depict men with darker skin and women with lighter skin.
A scene from the Etruscan Tomb of the Bulls ~ c. 530 BCE
This impressive scene is thought to depict Achilles (left) about to ambush Troilus. The range of colours from reds, yellows, and blues gives a sense of Etruscan artistry during the sixth century.
In honour of the glorious warmth in the Antipodes right now, spring and abundance in all their glory is top of mind. If you’re experiencing chill conditions, we hope this adds a touch of brightness and the memory of spring to your day.
Perseus and Andromeda. Perseus frees Andromeda, daughter of the king of Aethiopia, from a terrifying sea monster (see background left). Perseus had used the same sword earlier against Medusa…
Are you in the mood for pizza? Today I’m in that mood and this great find from 2023 just confirms the long history of putting tasty things on flat bread in Campania!
Thank you, Pompeii for this gloriously delicious fresco 😋
Detail of the ‘dancing figures’ from the so-called Villa of Cicero at Pompeii. The fluidity of the poses, as though floating in the air, combined with the arresting diaphanous material of their dresses is simply stunning.
This Etruscan fresco is thought to date to c. 475 BCE. It is part of a tomb decoration from Tarquinia, legendary home of the Roman king Lucius Tarquinius Priscus though long after his time!
This fresco depicts Polyphemus and the nereid Galatea in a landscape. Galatea is sometimes also the name of the statue that Pygmalion creates, though these were likely different story traditions…
Ares-Mars embraced by his love Aphrodite-Venus with a dog at their feet. The club in his hand is usually part of the iconography of #Herakles so it could also be a fresco depicting #Hercules and Megaera or Deïaneira. Does anyone know if it's Mars of Hercules?
This fresco detail forms part of a cycle of scenes from the Odyssey from a domus found on the Via Graziosa (now Via Cavour). It’s thought to date from the C1st BCE.
This scene of a wild hunt has been carefully restored to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the animals. Big cats chase a variety of animals evoking Egypt or further south into Africa.