Pompeii Art and Architecture Gallery
By Dr Joanne Berry
Last updated 2011-02-17
Narcissus wall-painting
This photo depicts Narcissus captivated by his own reflection. Traditionally Pompeian wall-paintings have been divided into four 'styles', and the House of Marcus Lucretius Fronto contains some of the finest 'Third Style' wall-paintings yet to be uncovered in Pompeii.
Third Style paintings are characterised by ornate frameworks of pseudo-architectural elements, such as columns, which enclose central panel paintings. These central panels often depict mythological scenes, and in this house there are panels illustrating stories such as that of Narcissus, Theseus in the Labyrinth, and the love between Mars and Venus.
The sheer number and quality of the wall-paintings is this house is somewhat unexpected, since the house is of only modest size.
Hands on History: Ancient Britain
Hands on History: Roman Britain
´óÏó´«Ã½ iD
´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation
´óÏó´«Ã½ links
´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
