Landscape with Perseus and Andromeda: from the "Mythological Room" of the Imperial Villa at Boscotrecase
unknown (Ancient Roman)
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Date
-11--9Description
Detail, the sea monster sent to kill Andromeda by Poseidon; One of the most sumptuous villas along the Bay of Naples was at Boscotrecase, built by Agrippa, friend of Emperor Augustus and husband of his daughter Julia. This fresco from the Imperial villa (also known as the Villa of Agrippa Postumus) combines two separate events in the myth of Perseus, including the rescue of Andromeda from the sea monster. The fresco's blue-green background unifies the differing episodes from the myth of Perseus, and must have lent a sense of coolness to the room. It is a masterpieces of the Third Style of Roman wall painting, which flourished during the reign of Augustus. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art [website]; http://www.metmuseum.org (accessed 5/6/2014)
Type of Work
fresco (painting)Subject
decorative arts, landscape, mythology (Classical), rulers and leaders, Roman Empire, Early Imperial, Pompeian, Augustan, Imperial (Roman), Third Style
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only