Wall Painting

Paintings from antiquity rarely survive, but thanks to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the preservation of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we can see what the Romans saw.

c. 200 B.C.E.–79 C.E.

Beginner's Guide

What is ancient Roman wall painting?

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Scenes from Homer’s <em>Odyssey</em>, Via Graziosa
Scenes from Homer’s Odyssey, Via Graziosa

This fresco cycle showing scenes from Homer's Odyssey would have decorated an ancient Roman home.

Room M of the Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor, Boscoreale
Room M of the Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor, Boscoreale

Vibrant frescoes from Room M at Boscoreale blur the line between urban, rural, and sacred scenes as well as what is real and imaginary.

Roman wall painting styles
Roman wall painting styles

Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii two millennia ago—creating a time capsule of the evolution of Roman painting.

Still Life with Peaches
Still Life with Peaches

Hospitality was key in ancient Rome, and this wall painting shows the gifts that guests may have received.

Dionysiac frieze, Villa of Mysteries, Pompeii
Dionysiac frieze, Villa of Mysteries, Pompeii

Standing outside of the state religion, mystery cults are an intriguing puzzle. Does art hold the answer?

Painted Garden, Villa of Livia
Painted Garden, Villa of Livia

Step into a stunning painted garden that gives insight into the flora and fauna of ancient Rome.

Pompeii: House of the Vettii
Pompeii: House of the Vettii

Buried by a volcanic eruption two thousand years ago, this Roman house was the epitome of wealth and style.

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