Pompeian Wall Paintings

There are 4 styles of Pompeian Wall Painting. Each corresponds to a particular time period and they are fairly distinct.

1st Style

• also called “incrustation”

•2nd century BC

• divided the wall into 3 regions

•Used geometric designs and bright colors

2nd Style

• also called “architectural”

Popular around 80 BC

•Incorporated perspective and views – illusion

• created imaginary open space to make a room seem larger

3rd Style

• also called “ornamental”

• divided the wall into sections

•Focal point in center – small picture usually mythological

•Upper – architectural

•Popular during reign of Augustus

4th Style

• combines elements of 2nd and 3rd style

• popular during reigns of Claudius and Nero

• bright colors, architectural elements with mythological pictures

Which style is this?

4th style

Which style is this?

2nd style

Which style is this?

Which style is this?

This was found in a house in Pompeii – it is called “Primavera” or spring. It is usually considered to be a goddess.

Sculpture & Architecture

The following are different buildings and statues – we’ll talk about them as we go

The Pantheon was first commissioned by Agrippa – the one seen here was rebuilt after a fire by Hadrian.

Hadrian kept the original inscription

M AGRIPPA LF COS TERTIUM FECIT

http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/greek_and_roman_art/marble_portrait_bust_of_the_emperor_gaius_known_as/objectview_enlarge.aspx?page=1&sort=6&sortdir=asc&keyword=Caligula&fp=1&dd1=13&dd2=0&vw=1&collID=13&OID=130009328&vT=1&hi=0&ov=0

Hadrian

Marcus Aurelius

Vespasian

Commodus as Hercules