THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
HC041
Ins. Or. II., 9
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aedicula; Niche; Wall painting; Stucco Relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room Function:
Commercial space
Description:
On the east wall of the commercial space was a small arched niche with an accompanying cult painting. The niche sat 1.05m above the floor and was decorated with stucco moulding of a scallop shell on its ceiling and two engaged columns flanking the niche opening. Remnants of egg and dart moulding was visible on the left side of the niche. Stucco taeniae were also visible below the shell within the niche. The paintings on the wall around the niche were poorly preserved, however, the scene depicted Bacchus, Mercury, and Hercules situated above the niche on a white background that was framed with a red stripe. Bacchus was depicted with his panther in the centre, with Mercury holding his petasos on the left. Hercules was depicted on the right with his lion skin and club. Two serpents among plant material flanked the niche. Further paintings of plants could be seen below the niche. The painting could be dated to the fourth style.
References:
Orr 1972, p. 202 (#41); Fröhlich 1991, pp. 302-303.
Image reference:
Jashemski 1957