Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP491
IX, ii, 19-21
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP489, PP490
Structural type:
Niche
Room function:
Peristyle/Portico
Description:
In the centre of the south wall of the peristyle was a square niche. The niche sat 1.20m above the floor and was set into a rectangular white stucco panel. The niche was decorated with an elaborate aedicula façade. This consisted of a heavy projecting shelf at the base of the niche which was decorated with a complex triple frieze of various designs in polychrome stucco. Upon this base sat engaged columns which supported the pediment. Like the projecting base, the cornices of the tympanum were elaborately decorated with stucco moulding. The entire façade was outlined with red stripes against the white stucco background. The back wall of the niche was painted in red and yellow imitation marble. The back wall was curved. The vaulted ceiling of the niche was decorated with a stucco shell, with a stucco cornice running the arch of the niche. A low base for a statuette stood in the centre of the niche. On the wall below the niche was a panel marked off by a broad red band and painted yellow. Within this panel sat the stucco relief figures of two serpents meeting at an altar. Above this, on either side of the niche, were painted plants.
References:
Bull. Inst. 1871, p. 183; Boyce 1937, pp. 81-82 (#402)
Image reference: