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PP341

VII. ii. 14

Cult Space Type:

Shrine

NO mapavailable png shrine01-01-01.png
NO mapavailable png shrine01-01-01.png
NO immage available png serpent-01.png
NO immage available png serpent-01.png
Date:

79 A.D.

Associated
Cult Spaces: 

PP342

Structural type:

Niche, Wall Painting, Altar

Room function:

Viridarium/Garden

Description:

Located on the northwest corner of the garden was a shrine. It consisted of a cult painting which had been added to previous garden-themed wall paintings. A rectangular niche was cut into the wall, sitting 1.50m above the ground. In the corner below the niche was a low masonry altar which had been coated in stucco and painted in imitation marble. On the north wall was the cult painting. This was divided into two registers. The upper register depicted two Lares, standing on either side of a flaming altar and holding rhyta and situlae. On the left of this group were Jupiter holding a sceptre and his eagle. On the right of the Lares was Minerva, holding a spear and shield, with an owl to her left. Below these figures, in the lower register, was a single serpent among plants moving in the direction of the niche. In the north wall, at the easternmost extent of the scene, was a recess looking into the kitchen. On the west wall of this recess was painted a man holding in each hand undistinguishable objects.

References:

Boyce 1937, pp. 61-62 (#249); PPM Vol VI 1996, p.520-525; Bassani 2008, pp. 182-183; Giacobello 2008, p. 278 (V60)

Image reference:

Deutsches Archäologisches Institut 1931 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)

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