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A TREASURE TROVE OF POMPEII'S SENSUAL AND ENCHANTING GRAPHICS
To help welcome back tourists after Italy reopened to international travel, organizers recently announced plans to open a new exhibition of selected Pompeii Fresco (frescoes) at the Pompeii Archaeological Park on April 14th.
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city-state buried under 18 meters of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii were forgotten for 1,700 years until their unexpected rediscovery in 1748. Since then, excavations of Pompeii have revealed increasingly insightful glimpses into life in this ancient city during the height of the Holy Roman Empire.
The ruins of Pompeii have long been one of Italy's most attractive destinations, drawing around 2.5 million visitors annually. (Photo: Dennis Jarvis)
The ruins of Pompeii are now located within the town of Pompeii, near Naples, the capital of the Campania region in southern Italy. The ruins of Pompeii are part of the Vesuvius National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
During the excavation of the ancient city of Pompeii, archaeologists were astonished to discover many ancient architectural structures that were preserved almost intact under layers of volcanic ash, including: markets, villas, theaters with beautiful tiered stages, luxury hotels, swimming pools, tunnel systems, and aqueducts…
FERTILITY AS EXPRESSED IN THE PAINTINGS OF POMPE II
Many Romans at the time regarded Greek philosophy, art, and literature as symbols of exquisite sophistication. Therefore, the wealthy in Pompeii followed the trend of the Roman elite, seeking to emulate the popular trends of Greek culture. The most common form of expression was decorating private homes and public spaces with frescoes (frescoes), depicting captivating and enchanting scenes from Greek mythology.
The Fresco (frescoes) collection of Pompeii contains many paintings depicting emotionally charged and captivating scenes from Greek mythology. (Image: romeartlover.it)
“Eroticism (a quality that evokes sexual feelings, as well as philosophical contemplation related to the aesthetics of sexual desire, carnal pleasure, and romantic love) is everywhere in the ancient city of Pompeii. This includes homes, bathrooms, and public spaces… This is due to the influence of the Greeks, whose art is very characteristic of nude painting,” – Time magazine quoted Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director General of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, analyzing the priceless Fresco (fresco) treasure of the ancient city of Pompeii.
Archaeologists discovered Frescoes (frescoes) in the bedroom of a house in the ancient city of Pompeii, depicting a mysterious and "sensual" lovemaking scene between Zeus (transformed into a swan) and the legendary Spartan Queen, according to Greek mythology. (Photo: DW)
Fresco (frescoes) are paintings created on wet or freshly plastered walls or ceilings, covering entire surfaces. The Fresco collection holds particular appeal among the many artifacts discovered at the ancient city of Pompeii. Most Pompeii Frescoes use a red pigment called cinnabar to create a vibrant red hue, unlike the darker red tones found in many other frescoes seen today.
Fresco (fresco) has shocked archaeologists; it depicts the fertility god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus. (Image: Ancient History Encyclopaedia)
Most impressive in Pompeii's Fresco collection are the frescoes depicting fertility rituals and the worship of sexual intercourse, including the worship of the phallus (a penis in an erect position). This is believed to reflect the ancient belief that the phallus symbolized fertility, good fortune, and wealth.
Ancient Romans, in particular, believed in the fertility god Priapus as a protective amulet, possessing the power to safeguard their homes and families' wealth and possessions.
