THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP113
I. xvi. 4
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Stucco Relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
Located in the atrium was an aedicula shrine. The upper structure of the cult space has been largely destroyed, while the square base was painted in imitation masonry. A red border ran along the top of the base with detailed stucco cornicing. Two painted panels were preserved on the north and west walls above the base framed by engaged Corinthian columns. The paintings depicted yellow serpents with stuccoed heads. A green border enclosed the serpents in their panels. On both walls below the serpents were strips of yellow and red imitation marble separated by red lines. The walls beside the shrine were also painted. The top registers of the paintings were decorated with scenes of plants, flowers, and birds. The lower registers depicted a single red and green griffin painted on a yellow background. A small terracotta altar was found nearby this cult space.
References:
Orr 1972, pp. 166-167 (#46); Giacobello 2008, p. 235 (A7)
Image reference:
Jashemski 1959 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)