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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)