Pompeii dig uncovers Narcissus fresco in ancient atrium

[Eugene]

Source: Phys.org

Pompeii dig uncovers Narcissus fresco in ancient atrium

February 14, 2019

Archaeologists have discovered a fresco in an ancient Pompeii residence that portrays the mythological hunter Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.

The discovery announced Thursday is in the atrium of a house where a fresco was found late last year depicting a sensual scene between the Roman god Jupiter disguised as a swan and Leda, a queen of Sparta from Greek mythology.

Pompeii director Alfonsina Russo said that the "beauty of these rooms" has prompted officials to continue to uncover more treasures so that one day the house can be at least partially opened to the public.

Officials noted archaeologists also found inside the ancient atrium a dozen glass containers, eight terracotta vases and a bronze funnel in a space underneath a staircase.

https://phys.org/news/2019-02-pompeii-uncovers-narcissus-fresco-ancient.html


This undated photo provided Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 by the Parco Archeologico di Pompei (Archeological Park of Pompei) shows the atrium of a house with a fresco portraying the mythological hunter Narcissus, right, in Pompeii, near Naples, Italy. Archaeologists have discovered a fresco in an ancient Pompeii residence that portrays the mythological hunter Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, in a house where a fresco was found late last year depicting a sensual scene between the Roman god Jupiter disguised as a swan and Leda, a queen of Sparta from Greek mythology. (Parco Archeologico di Pompei via AP)

[TeapotInATempest]

1. Look at how well-preserved the colors in that room are!

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[modrepub]

3. Unfortunately They Fade Pretty Quickly Once Exposed

That's why it's important to quickly take pictures to preserve their original appearance. I'm more of a late roman mosaic person but these are interesting.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Darn. Already been to Pompeii.

[skamaria]

4. I didn't know Trump Was alive back then!

N/T

[brush]

5. Amazing to see a glimpse into the past and how they lived.

Their interiors were not that different—there are baseboards and wall moldings and artwork on painted walls.

[Nitram]

6. I didn't realize Narcissus was that admired.

"sensual scene between the Roman god Jupiter disguised as a swan and Leda" = Jupiter raped Leda. What pleasant decor for the living room.