PompeiiinPictures

Pompeii. Household shrines to the domestic gods, IX.7.15 to IX.14.4. 

 

These pages contain all the references to Lararia, Aedicula, Niches, Sacrarium/Sacellum, and Lararium paintings, found inside properties in Pompeii.

For some of these the actual purpose is unknown.

The individual locations identified on each item may contain further photos and details, you can see these by looking at the pompeiiinpictures pages in question.

 

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Region IX.

IX.7.14 or 16 Pompeii.

Aedicula lararium in garden whose west wall borders the vicolo. (No photo).

 

IX.7.14 or 16 Pompeii. 2023. Looking down from the Casina dell’Aquila towards a possible aedicula in the north-west corner of the garden area, in the centre of the photo. Photo courtesy of Google Earth. Due to the fact that the area has not been fully excavated, the garden area may belong to either house IX.7.14 or IX.7.16.

IX.7.14 or 16 Pompeii. 2023.

Looking down from the Casina dell’Aquila towards a possible aedicula in the north-west corner of the garden area, in the centre of the photo.

Photo courtesy of Google Earth.

Due to the fact that the area has not been fully excavated, the garden area may belong to either house IX.7.14 or IX.7.16.

 

IX.7.14 Pompeii or IX.7.16. 2023. Looking west to a possible aedicula lararium in the north-west corner of the garden area, centre right in the photo. The entrance doorway into IX.7.14 is on the left of the photo, the doorway into IX.7.16 is on the extreme right. Photo courtesy of Google Earth.

IX.7.14 Pompeii or IX.7.16. 2023.

Looking west to a possible aedicula lararium in the north-west corner of the garden area, centre right in the photo.

The entrance doorway into IX.7.14 is on the left of the photo, the doorway into IX.7.16 is on the extreme right.

Photo courtesy of Google Earth.

 

Looking north-west from Casina dell’Aquila to rear of entrance at IX.7.14, lower centre. 1968. On the left can be seen the west wall of the triclinium of IX.7.12. The west wall of the garden can be seen behind the greenery, on the right of the doorway. According to Boyce, against the west wall of the garden in a house only partially excavated, stood an aedicula. It was built upon a square masonry base, the sides decorated with green plants painted on a white background. Above the base, walls enclosed a niche. In front of the structure stood a small altar. On the walls within the niche was the lararium painting. On the rear wall to the right of an altar, stood the Genius, pouring a libation upon the altar. To the left of the same altar was a serpent, its head in stucco relief. On each of the side walls were painted three figures, a plant, a Lar, and a man in a white garment. The man held in his left hand an object, possibly a black cup, in his right hand was a patera. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 89, no. 445)

Looking north-west from Casina dell’Aquila to rear of entrance at IX.7.14, lower centre. 1968.

On the left can be seen the west wall of the triclinium of IX.7.12.

The west wall of the garden can be seen behind the greenery, on the right of the doorway.

According to Boyce –

Against the west wall of the garden stands an aedicula, built upon a square masonry base (0.92 square, h.0.70).

The sides of the base are decorated with green plants painted on the white ground.

Above the base, walls enclose a niche (h.0.42, w.0.52, d.0.62).

In front of the structure stands a small altar (0.24 by 0.23, h.0.80).

The roof (no longer preserved) originally extended out over the altar as well as the niche, and the front of it was adorned with a pediment.

It was supported by two columns, the marks of the bases of which are still to be seen near the corners of the base.

On the walls within the niche is the lararium painting.

On the back wall to the right of an altar, stands the Genius pouring a libation upon it.

To the left of the same altar is a serpent, the head of which was done in stucco relief.

On each of the side walls are painted three figures: from back to front – a plant, a Lar, a man in a white garment holding in his left hand an object resembling a black cup, with a patera in his right hand.

He quotes references – Not. Scavi, 1881, 92-93; Bull. Inst., 1883, 146.

In Not. Scavi, it is described as House, only partly excavated – “and corresponds to, after the sixth doorway, west side, counting from the north-west”.

In Bull. Inst, it is described as “West side, first entrance counting from the south, garden in part excavated.”

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.445).

 

Looking north-west from Casina dell’ Aquila to rear of IX.7.14. December 2007. According to Boyce and Jashemski, a garden was excavated near here. The west wall of the garden can be partially seen on the right side of the doorway of IX.7.14. Whether it belonged to IX.7.12, 14, or 16 cannot be seen until further excavation. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.445) According to Jashemski, she quoted the location as IX.7.12(?). She said in the north-west corner of this partially excavated garden, at the left of the entrance, stood an aedicula lararium. In front of the lararium was a small altar, and a lararium painting on the wall around the shrine. Many marble sculptures decorated the garden. See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p.239)

Looking north-west from Casina dell’Aquila to rear of IX.7.14, in centre. December 2007.

According to Boyce and Jashemski, a garden was excavated near here.

The west wall of the garden can be partially seen on the right side of the doorway of IX.7.14.

Whether it belonged to IX.7.12, 14, or 16 cannot be seen until further excavation.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.445)

According to Jashemski, she quoted the location as IX.7.12(?).

She said in the north-west corner of this partially excavated garden, at the left of the entrance, stood an aedicula lararium.

In front of the lararium was a small altar, and a lararium painting on the wall around the shrine.

Many marble sculptures decorated the garden.

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p.239)

 

View looking west, taken from above IX.7.12. October 2023. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

IX.7.16 Pompeii, doorway towards right of photo.  October 2023. View looking west, taken from above in IX.7.12.

The doorway to IX.7.15 can just be seen, centre left. On the left would be the garden area of either IX.7.14 or 16.

Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

View looking west towards the Basilica in the distance, across doorway of IX.7.16, in Vicolo di Tesmo, in centre. 2017/2018/2019. Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Ciaramella.

View looking west towards the Basilica in the distance, across doorway of IX.7.16, in Vicolo di Tesmo, in centre.  

2017/2018/2019. The north wall of the garden would be on the left of the photo. Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Ciaramella.

 

IX.7.14/15/16 Pompeii. 2015/2016. Looking south-west from Casina dell’Aquila towards east side of Vicolo di Tesmo, in lower photo. The garden area is on the left of the photo, between entrances at IX.7.14 and IX.7.15. The rooms on the right are part of IX.7.16. Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Ciaramella.

IX.7.14/15/16 Pompeii. 2015/2016.

Looking south-west from Casina dell’Aquila towards east side of Vicolo di Tesmo, in lower photo.

The garden area is on the left of the photo, between entrances at IX.7.14 and IX.7.15.

The rooms on the right are part of IX.7.16.  Photo courtesy of Giuseppe Ciaramella.

 

IX.7.16 Pompeii.

Painting on north and west wall of kitchen (d). (No photo).

 

IX.7.16 Pompeii. May 2010. Cubiculum. Looking towards the west wall of a room with the remains of painted plaster, on the south side of the atrium. According to Schefold, on the west wall a painting of Mars and Venus was found. (Helbig 323) A drawing of the painting can be seen in Schefold, K., 1962. Vergessenes Pompeji. Bern: Francke. (fig.55, 3) On the east wall, not photoed, a drawing of the painting of Achilles receiving the arms can be seen in fig.55, 4. On the south wall, on the left of the photo, a fragment of the wall painting of Cassandra, Hector, was found. According to Mau, “The walls were of the same character as those in the triclinium and the other cubiculum. The walls were simply decorated in the III style. The zoccolo was painted with a black background, the middle of the walls was red, and the upper part was white. The execution of the decoration was considered inferior, by Mau, to that of the other cubiculum. In the middle of each wall was a painting in the usual painted pavilion - on the left (?) wall – the design showed the interior of a house with a column on the left middle of the painting, a second column was on the right, garlands were hanging on them. In front of this last, a little more to the left, was a young person with heroic stature, with a red cloak (......) In his right hand was a golden helmet. More to the right was a woman (...) Another woman stood beside the base (......) They both looked towards the helmet. - on the rear wall only a fragment remained: towards the right edge was a figure: the one here had a lance in his right hand (see also Sogliano 560, thought to be Hector) and Helbig 1381, 1391b) - on the left (?) wall was a painting of Mars and Venus”. See Mau, in BdI, 1883, (p.131-133) According to Boyce, the room behind this wall would have been the kitchen. This would have had a lararium painting on the north and west wall. Traces of an older lararium painting, not entirely covered by the later one, were to be seen on the west wall. A figure of a Lar could be made out on the left side. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 87, no.436) and Boyce gives the reference Bull. Inst., 1883, 145.

IX.7.16 Pompeii. May 2010. Cubiculum, with kitchen area, at rear.

According to Boyce, the room behind this wall would have been the kitchen.

This would have had a lararium painting on the north and west wall (h.1.50, width on north wall 0.60, width on west wall 1.94).

On the right of an altar stands the Genius in the usual attire, pouring a libation from a patera; on the left is the lower part of the figure of the tibicen and behind him stands a camillus wearing white tunic and carrying in his left hand a shallow dish, in his right hand, taeniae.

Behind the Genius the popa, wearing a crown of leaves, holds a knife to the throat of a hog adorned with a red band around its belly. On each side of this group of four is a Lar in the usual attire. In the lower zone two yellow serpents, each with red crest, are confronted at an altar.

The painting thus described is all on the west wall of the room.

On the north wall are painted the following kitchen objects (from top to bottom): a hearth, an uncertain object – perhaps the firewood for the hearth  - a hog’s head, a pot on the fire.

Traces of the older lararium painting, not entirely covered by the later one, were to be seen on the west wall.

A figure of a Lar could be made out on the left side.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 87, no. 436)

and Boyce gives the reference Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1883, 145.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.209, no.105).

 

IX.7.19 Pompeii.

Fragment of Lararium painting on east wall of north ala. (No photos).

 

IX.7.19 Pompeii. July 2017. Looking north in ala c Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR. According to Mau, when excavated the following paintings were found on the walls of this room. Room c, the ala: In the middle of the back (north) wall, - fish and shells in water (size: height 0.23m x length 0.31m - the right side was missing (half destroyed, according to Not.di Scavi, 1880, p.491). On the sides of the back (north) wall – medallions enclosed in garlands (size: 0.20) – on the left was the head of Diana crowned with leaves, with two javelins. She had dark hair with a narrow necklace around her neck and was wearing a red tunic buckled above both shoulders with a gold coloured buckle. on the right was the head of Helios, with halo and blue rays, with a whip on the right shoulder. He had long blonde hair and was dressed the same as Diana. On the right (east) wall, the remains of a destroyed lararium painting was found. See Mau, in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1883, (p.79). See Sogliano, in Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, (p.491). According to Boyce, on the east wall of the left ala, a fragment of a lararium painting was seen at the time of excavation. The fragment represented a single serpent moving amongst foliage. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.437) See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.112)

IX.7.19 Pompeii. July 2017. Looking north in ala c

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

According to Mau, when excavated the following paintings were found on the walls of this room.

Room c, the ala:

In the middle of the back (north) wall, - fish and shells in water (size: height 0.23m x length 0.31m - the right side was missing (half destroyed, according to Not. di Scavi, 1880, p.491).

On the sides of the back (north) wall – medallions enclosed in garlands (size: 0.20) –

on the left was the head of Diana crowned with leaves, with two javelins. She had dark hair with a narrow necklace around her neck and was wearing a red tunic buckled above both shoulders with a gold coloured buckle.

on the right was the head of Helios, with halo and blue rays, with a whip on the right shoulder. He had long blonde hair and was dressed the same as Diana.

On the right (east) wall, the remains of a destroyed lararium painting was found.

See Mau, in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1883, (p.79).

See Sogliano, in Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, (p.491).

 

According to Boyce, on the east wall of the left ala, a fragment (h.1.62, w.1.88) of a lararium painting was seen at the time of excavation.

The fragment represented a single serpent moving amongst foliage.

He references Not. Scavi, 1880, 491; Bull. Inst., 1883, 79.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.437) 

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.112).

 

Lararium painting on east wall in small room (k).  (No photo of room).

According to Boyce, a small room, room k, located between kitchen and garden on the south side of the house, was originally part of the garden.

This small room had a doorway into the kitchen.

Then the room was separated from the garden and the doorway to the kitchen was bricked-up.

On the east wall of this new room was a lararium, with a Genius standing to the right of a tripod.

On the other side of the tripod stood the tibicen. Below and to the right, ran a camillus.

Below this were two serpents, gliding, one from each side, amongst plants towards an altar.

Between this painting and the south-east corner of the room were painted, two pots, a large bottle, sausages, a calf’s head, ribs of pork on a spit, and a phallus.

He references – Not. Scavi, 1880, 491; Bull. Inst., 1883, 82.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.438)

According to NdS, the were also two Lares:

To right in the atrium there is a room communicating with the back room of the following taberna, and the access to the kitchen with the latrine, and to a cell, where the lararium painting is divided into two strips; in the lower part there are the two serpents, which rush towards the altar with the offerings, and in the upper part the sacrificing Genius Familiaris, with tibicen and a camillus between the two Lares.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, p. 491.

Fröhlich notes: Boyce does not mention Lares.

Boyce 438 (IX 7, 19) describes the Genius with Camillus and Tibicen grouped around the altar in the usual way, but without the Lares.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.112).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.209, no.106)

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii.

Rectangular niche set in panel of stucco on south wall of atrium.

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. October 2019. Looking towards south wall of atrium with niche. Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

IX.7.20 Pompeii. October 2019. Looking towards south wall of atrium with niche.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

According to Boyce –

A section of the south wall of the atrium was covered with a panel of white stucco and in it was set a rectangular niche (h.0.53, w.0.41, d.0.27, h. above floor 1.45).

It was framed by a stucco aedicula façade (h.0.90, w.0.70) consisting of two applied half-columns resting upon a projecting cornice and supporting a pediment. Within the niche stood a bronze lamp and three bronze statues.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no 439).

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. 1968. Rectangular niche in atrium with stucco aedicula facade. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski. Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details. J68f1525

IX.7.20 Pompeii. 1968.

Rectangular niche in atrium with stucco aedicula facade. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J68f1525

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Rectangular niche in atrium with stucco aedicula facade. Found within the niche were a bronze lamp and three bronze statuettes. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p88, No 439, Pl.5,1)

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Rectangular niche in atrium with stucco aedicula facade.

Found within the niche were a bronze lamp and three bronze statuettes.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p88, No 439, Pl.5,1) 

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. Bronze lamp in the shape of a foot, and three bronze statuettes found in the rectangular niche in atrium. See Niccolini F, 1890. Le case ed i monumenti di Pompei: Volume Terzo. Napoli, Isola VII Regione IX, Tav. III.

IX.7.20 Pompeii.

Bronze lamp in the shape of a foot, and three bronze statuettes found in the rectangular niche in atrium.

See Niccolini F, 1890. Le case ed i monumenti di Pompei: Volume Terzo. Napoli, Isola VII Regione IX, Tav. III.

 

Niche in west wall of kitchen.

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. May 2005. Niche in kitchen, room (p). According to Boyce, in the west wall of the kitchen, in the south-west corner of the house, was once a niche. This niche was coated with white stucco but was subsequently bricked-up. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.440) See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.210, no.107)

IX.7.20 Pompeii. May 2005. Niche in kitchen, room (p).

According to Boyce, in the west wall of the kitchen, in the south-west corner of the house, was once a niche (w.0.50).

This niche was coated with white stucco but was subsequently bricked-up.

He quotes reference – Bull. Inst., 1883, 76.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.440).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.210, no.107).

 

Aedicula lararium in garden bordering against east wall of the peristyle of IX.7.20 (but may belong to a house not yet excavated).

 

IX.7.20 (or 25) Pompeii. Undated watercolour by Luigi Bazzani. Looking south-west towards fountain, and an aedicula niche on its south side. Now in Naples Archaeological Museum, inv. no. 139427. (described as “Fountain of the House of C. Virnius Modestus (IX 7, 16) in Pompeii”.

IX.7.20 (or 25) Pompeii. Undated watercolour by Luigi Bazzani.

Looking south-west towards fountain, and an aedicula niche on its south side.

Now in Naples Archaeological Museum, inv. no. 139427.

(described as “Fountain of the House of C. Virnius Modestus (IX 7, 16) in Pompeii”.

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Mosaic fountain.

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Mosaic fountain, looking towards remains of aedicula niche on south side of fountain.

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Aedicula with niche on north side of fountain. According to Boyce – In the centre of the west wall of the garden is a fine mosaic fountain and on each side of it a simple aedicula (h.3.0), consisting of a rectangular niche (h.1.52, w.0.81, d.0.51) enclosed by walls built on the top of the rectangular podium (1.40 by 0.32, h.0.80). The opening of the niche is framed by two pilasters which seem to support the simple architrave and pediment above them. The base is coated with red stucco, the upper part of the structure with white, including the interior of the niche, the back wall of which is outlined in green. Within the niche on the right of the fountain were found five terracotta statuettes. He quotes references – Not. Scavi, 1881, 24; Bull. Inst., 1883, 154. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no. 446).

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Aedicula with niche on north side of fountain.

According to Boyce –

In the centre of the west wall of the garden is a fine mosaic fountain and on each side of it a simple aedicula (h.3.0), consisting of a rectangular niche (h.1.52, w.0.81, d.0.51) enclosed by walls built on the top of the rectangular podium (1.40 by 0.32, h.0.80).

The opening of the niche is framed by two pilasters which seem to support the simple architrave and pediment above them.

The base is coated with red stucco, the upper part of the structure with white, including the interior of the niche, the back wall of which is outlined in green.

Within the niche on the right of the fountain were found five terracotta statuettes.

He quotes references – Not. Scavi, 1881, 24; Bull. Inst., 1883, 154.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no. 446).

 

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Aedicula with niche on north side of fountain, looking west. According to Boyce - When excavated this one, found on the north side (to the right) contained the following terracotta statues – Asclepius with snake, Bacchus with a leopard, a clothed woman holding a bird, and fragments of a fourth – perhaps Minerva. Also found was a small terracotta bird resembling a dove on a cylindrical base. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 89, no.446) See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p.242-3, no.504, location given as IX.7.25). According to Kuivalainen, one of the group of terracotta figures, Bacchus (Now in Naples Archaeological Museum, inventory number 116664), was discovered with traces of colour; the left hand of the youth and the head of the animal are missing. Kuivalainen comments – The figurine follows the customary model of the marble statues depicting a young Bacchus giving wine to a panther. It was not, however, a popular subject as a terracotta figurine, nor in bronzes. As it was discovered in a lararium it surely had religious meaning. See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (H11, p.217).

IX.7.20 Pompeii. December 2007. Aedicula with niche on north side of fountain, looking west.

According to Boyce -

When excavated this one, found on the north side (to the right) contained the following terracotta statues –

Asclepius with snake, Bacchus with a leopard, a clothed woman holding a bird, and fragments of a fourth – perhaps Minerva.

Also found was a small terracotta bird resembling a dove on a cylindrical base.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 89, no.446)

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p.242-3, no.504, location given as IX.7.25).

According to Kuivalainen, one of the group of terracotta figures, Bacchus (Now in Naples Archaeological Museum, inventory number 116664), was discovered with traces of colour; the left hand of the youth and the head of the animal are missing.

Kuivalainen comments –

The figurine follows the customary model of the marble statues depicting a young Bacchus giving wine to a panther. It was not, however, a popular subject as a terracotta figurine, nor in bronzes. As it was discovered in a lararium it surely had religious meaning.

See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (H11, p.217).

 

IX.7.21 Pompeii.

Painting of Fortuna, on south wall of passage leading to latrine.

 

Pompeii. May 2005. Corridor leading to latrine. Looking west. According to Boyce, on the south wall of the passage leading to the latrine was painted the figure of Fortuna. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.442 and Pl. 26,2)

IX.7.21 Pompeii. May 2005. Corridor leading to latrine. Looking west.

According to Boyce, on the south wall of the passage leading to the latrine was painted the figure of Fortuna (h.058).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.442 and Pl. 26,2)

 

Lararium wall painting of Isis Fortuna found in corridor leading to latrine of IX.7.21/2. Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number: 112285. According to Boyce, to the left of Fortuna is a nude man, squatting in a position appropriate to the wording painted above his head - Cacator Cave Malv [CIL IV 3832]. A serpent rises on each side of him, as if he is replacing the usual altar with offerings. Below the painting a terracotta monopodium stood against the wall, perhaps serving as an altar. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.442 and Pl. 26,2) See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (L106, Picture 10,1) According to Hobson, a painting from a latrine shows the goddess Fortuna next to a man between 2 snakes, apparently advising the person entering the toilet to beware of the danger of the pollution of defecation: Cacator cave malu(m). [CIL IV 3832]. See Hobson, B., 2009. Latrinae et foricae: Toilets in the Roman World. London; Duckworth. (p.111)

Lararium wall painting of Isis Fortuna found in corridor leading to latrine of IX.7.21/2. 

Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number 112285.

According to Boyce, to the left of Fortuna is a nude man, squatting in a position appropriate to the wording painted above his head -

Cacator

Cave Malv   [CIL IV 3832].

A serpent rises on each side of him, as if he is replacing the usual altar with offerings.

Below the painting a terracotta monopodium stood against the wall, perhaps serving as an altar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.442 and Pl. 26, 2)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.296, L106, Picture 10, 1)

According to Hobson, a painting from a latrine shows the goddess Fortuna next to a man between 2 snakes, apparently advising the person entering the toilet to beware of the danger of the pollution of defecation:

Cacator cave malu(m). [CIL IV 3832].

See Hobson, B., 2009. Latrinae et foricae: Toilets in the Roman World. London; Duckworth. (p.111).

 

Cacator Cave Malu(m) inscription found on lararium wall painting of Isis Fortuna found in IX.7.21/22. Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number: 112285. According to Giacobello, the house communicated with the workshop, across the atrium. In the corridor that led to the latrine, was found the fresco figuring Fortuna, a male figure and serpents, with the inscription Cacator cave malu(m). See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.250)

Cacator Cave Malu(m) inscription found on lararium wall painting of Isis Fortuna found in IX.7.21/22. 

Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number 112285

According to Giacobello, the house communicated with the workshop, across the atrium.

In the corridor that led to the latrine, was found the fresco figuring Fortuna, a male figure and serpents, with the inscription Cacator cave malu(m).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.250).   

 

IX.7.22 Pompeii.

Niche in panel on west wall, with painting, no trace remains.

 

IX.7.22/21 Pompeii. December 2018. West wall of atrium, with hearth below niche. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.7.22/21 Pompeii. December 2018.

West wall of atrium, with hearth below niche. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.7.21/22 Pompeii. 1937. Lararium in north-west corner of atrium of IX.7.21. According to Boyce, in the north-west corner of the atrium was the hearth. Above the hearth in the west wall was a panel of white stucco. In the panel was a square niche. Its edges were outlined in red against the white background and below it was a cornice. On the reddish coloured back wall of the niche was painted a white object, which Mau was unable to identify. He did state that it was not a phallus. Below the niche was a painted garland of red and green leaves and below it a burning altar with a pine-cone. On either side of the altar was a yellow serpent. The serpent on the left had a red crest and beard, the head of the other was damaged. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.441, and Pl.4, 4) According to Giacobello, the painting is no longer conserved. See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.250) See Mau in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1882, (p.195)

IX.7.21/22 Pompeii. 1937. Lararium in north-west corner of atrium of IX.7.21.

According to Boyce, in the north-west corner of the atrium was the hearth.

Above the hearth in the west wall was a panel (h.1.10, w.1.0) of white stucco.

In the panel was a niche (h.0.28, w.0.34, d.0.12, h. above floor 1.75).

Its edges were outlined in red against the white background and below it was a cornice projecting (0.10) from the wall.

On the reddish coloured back wall of the niche was painted a white object, which Mau was unable to identify.

He did state that it was not a phallus.

Below the niche was a painted garland of red and green leaves and below it a burning altar with a pine-cone.

On either side of the altar was a yellow serpent.

The serpent on the left had a red crest and beard, the head of the other was damaged.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.88, no.441, and Pl.4, 4)

According to Giacobello, the painting is no longer conserved.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.250, no.A40)

See Mau in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1882, (p.195).

 

IX.7.22/21 Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of lararium niche in west wall of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand

IX.7.22/21 Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of lararium niche in west wall of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.7.24 Pompeii.

Vaulted niche in south wall.

 

IX.7.24 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking south across thermopolium (a) to doorway to atrium (2) of IX.7.25 The doorway between the shop and the atrium had the threshold of a dark marble and was closed by two battens. See Mau in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1882, (p.148) According to Boyce, in the south wall was a vaulted niche (h.0.44, w.0.44, d.0.51, h. above floor 1.20). Its inside walls were coated with orange-coloured stucco. Above the niche was a painting (h.0.30, w.0.73) of the two serpents confronting at an altar. He references – Not. Scavi, 1880, 395; Bull. Inst., 1882, 148. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88 no.443)  

IX.7.24 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking south across thermopolium (a) to doorway to atrium (2) of IX.7.25

The doorway between the shop and the atrium had the threshold of a dark marble and was closed by two battens. 

See Mau in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1882, (p.148)

According to Boyce, in the south wall was a vaulted niche (h.0.44, w.0.44, d.0.51, h. above floor 1.20).

Its inside walls were coated with orange-coloured stucco.

Above the niche was a painting (h.0.30, w.0.73) of the two serpents confronting at an altar.

He references – Not. Scavi, 1880, 395; Bull. Inst., 1882, 148.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88 no.443)

 

IX.7.24 Pompeii. December 2018. Looking south through arched niche. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.7.24 Pompeii. December 2018.

Looking south through arched niche. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.7.24 Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of arched niche, looking south. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.7.24 Pompeii. December 2018.

Detail of arched niche, looking south. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.7.24 Pompeii. May 2003. Looking towards the south wall and arched niche. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

IX.7.24 Pompeii. May 2003.

Looking towards the south wall and vaulted niche. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

 

IX.7.25 Pompeii. December 2018. Looking north from IX.7.25 into IX.7.24. Looking north into IX.7.24, from north-west corner of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand. Remains of hearth in atrium, below the fallen rear of arched niche, as described by Boyce (see IX.7.24).

IX.7.25 Pompeii. December 2018. Looking north from IX.7.25 into IX.7.24.

Looking north into IX.7.24, from north-west corner of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

Remains of hearth in atrium, below the fallen rear of arched niche, as described by Boyce (see IX.7.24).

 

IX.7.26 Pompeii.

Rectangular niche set in east wall. (No photo).

 

IX.7.26 Pompeii. December 2018. Looking south from end of small roadway towards entrance and room (d). Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.7.26 Pompeii. December 2018.

Looking south from end of small roadway towards entrance and room (d). Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

According to Boyce –

In the east wall of the room entered directly from the street is a rectangular niche (h.0.38, w.0.41, d.0.15, h. above floor 1.50).

Its walls were coated with white stucco, its floor projecting slightly from the surface of the wall; the report calls it a lararium.

He quotes reference – Bull. Inst., 1882, 182.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.88, no.444).

 

IX.8.1 Pompeii.

Arched niche set in south wall (north wall, according to Boyce).

 

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2007. Looking towards south wall and niche in shop. According to Boyce, in the north wall of the main room was an arched niche (h.0.48, w.0.54, d.0.33, h. above floor 1.65. Its walls were coated with white stucco. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 89, no. 447).

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2007. Looking towards south wall and niche in shop.

According to Boyce, in the north wall of the main room was an arched niche (h.0.48, w.0.54, d.0.33, h. above floor 1.65.

Its walls were coated with white stucco.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 89, no. 447).

 

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2018. Niche at west end of south wall in shop, and area of latrine, on right. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2018.

Niche at west end of south wall in shop, and area of latrine, on right. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2018. Niche on south wall of shop, at west end. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.1 Pompeii. December 2018. Niche on south wall of shop, at west end. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.8.4 Pompeii.

Painting on north wall, on right and left side of doorway. (No photo).

 

IX.8.4 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking south to entrance doorway of shop. According to Della Corte, on the right side of the doorway, was a recommendation – Ambriaeus (?) cum Vibia rogat [CIL IV 3746] See Della Corte, M., 1965. Case ed Abitanti di Pompei. Napoli: Fausto Fiorentino. (p.137, but note this is 3746 and NOT 3476 as shown in book) According to Epigraphik-Datenbank Clauss/Slaby (See www.manfredclauss.de) [CIL IV 3746] read as - Aed(ilem) AVABRIEVS cum Vibia La [3] rogat v(iis) a(edibus) s(acris) p(ublicis) p(rocurandis) o(ro) v(os) f(aciatis) According to Cooley, a translation of graffito CIL IV 3820, found here was - Neighbours beg you to elect Tiberius Claudius Verus (duumvir) with judicial power. Aemilius Celer wrote this. [CIL IV 3820] See Cooley, A. and M.G.L., 2004. Pompeii : A Sourcebook. London : Routledge. (p.126) According to Della Corte, CIL IV 3820 was found in the vicolo between Insula VIII and IX, and not here. (see IX.9.e) See Della Corte, M., 1965. Case ed Abitanti di Pompei. Napoli: Fausto Fiorentino. (p.131) According to Boyce, on the north wall to the right of the door, were painted the Genius, and below him, a single serpent. To the left of the door, Mercury was painted between a cock and an omphalos around which a serpent was coiled. Not.Scavi, 1879, pp.241, 282. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.449) On the west (right) can be seen a doorway to steps to upper floor, with latrine below.

IX.8.4 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking south to entrance doorway of shop.

According to Boyce, on the north wall to the right of the door, were painted the Genius, and below him, a single serpent.

To the left of the door, Mercury was painted between a cock and an omphalos around which a serpent was coiled.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1879, pp.241, 282.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 90, no. 449).

 

IX.8.6/3/a Pompeii.

Painted area, with niche, in south-east corner of small atrium entered from rear doorway.

 

IX.8.a Pompeii. February 2020. Looking east from doorway towards lararium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.a Pompeii. February 2020.

Looking east from rear doorway towards lararium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.8.6 Pompeii. 1966. Room 23, household shrine or lararium. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski. Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details. J66f0660

IX.8.6 Pompeii. 1966. Room 23, household shrine or lararium. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J66f0660

 

IX.8.6 Pompeii. 12th June 1882. Room 23, watercolour by Luigi Bazzani showing household shrine or lararium. The Bacchus painting is not shown in this watercolour. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum. Inventory number 1063-1886.

IX.8.6 Pompeii. 12th June 1882. Room 23, watercolour by Luigi Bazzani showing household shrine or lararium.

The Bacchus painting is not shown in this watercolour.

Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum. Inventory number 1063-1886.

According to Boyce –

Two low walls enclose a precinct (1.80 by 1.0) and within it is the lararium.

The outer surface of these walls is painted a uniform black, the inside - like the lower portions of the two walls of the room within the precinct – to represent yellow marble; along the top of the wall originally ran a wooden rail.

In the north wall of this precinct a space was left for the door.

In the centre of the space within the walls stands a small stone altar, consisting of a rectangular plinth supported upon a conical base; against the east and south walls outside of the precinct stand two masonry benches.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.448).

According to Frohlich, this is described as a Sacellum.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.297, L107, Taf: 11).

 

IX.8.6 Pompeii. Old postcard. Possibly just after excavation circa 1879-1881? Room 23. Servants’ quarters on west side of house. Household shrine or lararium with Bacchus painting still in situ.

IX.8.6 Pompeii. Old photo no. 156, possibly just after excavation circa 1879-1881? 

Room 23. Servants’ quarters on west side of house.

Household shrine or lararium with Bacchus painting still in situ.

According to Boyce –

In the south wall within the precinct is a rectangular niche (h.0.56, w.0.51, d.0.26, h. above floor 1.25), adorned with an aedicula facade  (h.1, w.0.64), of grey marble, consisting of a plain rectangular slab on each side of the niche, a pediment above and a heavy block (0.12 thick) projecting on the level of the floor. Within the niche a low step is built against the back wall and in front of it a circular depression for offerings is cut in the block that forms the floor. In the pediment is painted an owl. On the wall on each side of the niche is the painted figure of a Lar with rhyton and situla, standing between two trees.

On the adjoining east wall is the panel with the famous painting of Bacchus beside Vesuvius (Now in Naples Museum).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89-90, no.448).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.297, L107, Taf. 11).

 

IX.8.3-6 Pompeii. Room 23, Lararium painting found in atrium of servants quarters. Lararium painting of Bacchus wearing a bunch of grapes. Also in the painting are a garland, birds and a serpent approaching a round altar from the left. Bacchus is pouring wine for the panther to drink. The mountain slopes are covered in vines. Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number: 112286. See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (L107, T: 11). See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.448 and Pl. 40, 2)

IX.8.3-6 Pompeii. Room 23, Lararium painting found in atrium of servants’ quarters. 

Lararium painting of Bacchus wearing a bunch of grapes. 

Also in the painting are a garland, birds and a serpent approaching a round altar from the left.     

Bacchus is pouring wine for the panther to drink. The mountain slopes are covered in vines.

Now in Naples Archaeological Museum.  Inventory number 112286.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.297, L107, T: 11).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.89, no.448 and Pl. 40, 2).

 

IX.8.3-6 Pompeii. Room 23, detail from lararium painting found in atrium of servants’ quarters. Now in Naples Archaeological Museum. Inventory number 112286. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski. Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details. J57f0514 Kuivalainen comments – “A fully covered Bacchus is the personification of the vine. The volcano has generally been identified as Vesuvius as it was before the eruption of 79AD, making this picture a local landscape; the owner of the house may have had vineyards on the slopes of the mountain. Or else it depicts Mount Nysa, where Bacchus was raised…………” See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (p.116-18, C17).

IX.8.3-6 Pompeii.

Room 23, detail from lararium painting found in atrium of servants’ quarters. 

Now in Naples Archaeological Museum.  Inventory number 112286. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J57f0514

Kuivalainen comments –

“A fully covered Bacchus is the personification of the vine. The volcano has generally been identified as Vesuvius as it was before the eruption of 79AD, making this picture a local landscape; the owner of the house may have had vineyards on the slopes of the mountain. Or else it depicts Mount Nysa, where Bacchus was raised…………”

See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (p.116-18, C17).

 

IX.8.6/a Pompeii. Photo dated May 1886. Lararium in kitchen area of House of the Centenary. The Bacchus painting has been removed. Photo courtesy of Society of Antiquaries. Fox Collection.

IX.8.3/6/a Pompeii. Photo dated May 1886. Lararium in kitchen area of House of the Centenary.

The Bacchus painting has been removed.

Photo courtesy of Society of Antiquaries. Fox Collection.

 

IX.8.6 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 23, lararium in south-east corner of room 22, atrium of servants’ quarters, with bench against east wall.

IX.8.6 Pompeii. March 2009.

Room 23, lararium in south-east corner of room 22, atrium of servants’ quarters, with bench against east wall.

 

IX.8.6 Pompeii.  (No photo).

Painting, from an unknown room at the rear of the peristyle, seen at the moment of excavation.

IX.8.6 Pompeii. Ambiente (?). Pittura.

Sul fondo del peristilio e segnalata una pittura, leggibile al momento dello scavo, composta, nel registro superiore, dal Genio sacrificante presso un altare, affiancato da un tibicine e da un popa intento a spingere un maiale. Nel registro inferiore era dipinto un serpente di grosse proporzioni.

At the bottom of the peristyle there is a painting, legible at the time of the excavation, composed, in the upper register, of the Genius sacrificing at an altar, flanked by a tibicen and a popa intent on pushing a pig. In the lower register a large snake was painted.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.213, no.109).

 

IX.8.7 Pompeii.

Painting on south wall of shop-room.

 

IX.8.7 Pompeii. March 2009. Entrance doorway, looking south-east from Via di Nola.

IX.8.7 Pompeii. March 2009. Entrance doorway, looking south-east from Via di Nola.

 

IX.8.7 Pompeii. March 2009. South wall, with stone base of stairs, and line of stairs visible in the plaster. According to Boyce, on the south wall beneath the stairs leading to the upper floor, a panel (h.0.95, w.1.10) of white stucco was bordered with red stripes. On this panel was painted a single serpent, advancing left towards a burning altar, which stood amongst plants. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, 98. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.450)

IX.8.7 Pompeii. March 2009. South wall, with stone base of stairs, and line of stairs visible in the plaster.

According to Boyce, on the south wall beneath the stairs leading to the upper floor, a panel (h.0.95, w.1.10) of white stucco was bordered with red stripes.

On this panel was painted a single serpent, advancing left towards a burning altar, which stood amongst plants.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, 98.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.450).

 

IX.8.b Pompeii.

Niche in south wall of atrium, decorated with a painted pattern.

 

IX.8.b Pompeii. December 2018. Looking south towards doorway on Vicolo del Centenario. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.b Pompeii. December 2018. Looking south towards doorway on Vicolo del Centenario. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.   

 

IX.8.b Pompeii. February 2020. Looking south-west across atrium, towards niche in south wall, on left, and entrance doorway in west wall, in centre. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.b Pompeii. February 2020.

Looking south-west across atrium, towards niche in south wall, on left, and entrance doorway in west wall, in centre.

Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.8.b Pompeii. February 2020. Lararium niche set into south wall of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand. According to Boyce, this large arched niche (h.0.60, w.0.78, d.0.30, h. above floor 1.90) had its inside walls decorated with a painted pattern representing blocks of coloured marble. The report in the Not. Scavi, called it “la nicchia dei Penati”. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, p. 185. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.451)

IX.8.b Pompeii. February 2020. Lararium niche set into south wall of atrium. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

According to Boyce, this large arched niche (h.0.60, w.0.78, d.0.30, h. above floor 1.90) had its inside walls decorated with a painted pattern representing blocks of coloured marble. The report in the Not. Scavi, called it “la nicchia dei Penati”.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, p. 185.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.451).

 

IX.8.b Pompeii. May 2005. Lararium niche on the south wall, in the south-west corner of the atrium. According to Boyce, this large arched niche had its inside walls decorated with a painted pattern representing blocks of coloured marble. The report in the Not. Scavi, called it “la nicchia dei Penati” . See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1880, p. 185. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.451)

IX.8.b Pompeii. May 2005. Lararium niche on the south wall, in the south-west corner of the atrium.

 

IX.8.b Pompeii. May 2005. Detail of painting from lararium niche on the south wall.

IX.8.b Pompeii. May 2005. Detail of painting from lararium niche on the south wall.

 

IX.8.c Pompeii.

Rectangular niche in west wall of kitchen, with lararium painting above. (No photo).

 

IX.8.c Pompeii. May 2005. Looking east from entrance doorway. According to Boyce – In the west wall of the kitchen, reached from the south side of the peristyle, was a rectangular niche (h.0.44, w.0.65, d.0.26, h. above floor 1.0). On the wall above it was a lararium painting. (See description in Paintings). See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90, no.452).

IX.8.c Pompeii. May 2005. Looking east from entrance doorway.

 

IX.8.c Pompeii. February 2020. Looking from rooms on north side across peristyle towards a room on south side, and into the unexcavated. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

IX.8.c Pompeii. February 2020.

Looking from rooms on north side across peristyle towards rooms on south side, and into the unexcavated. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

IX.8.c Pompeii. May 2005. Site of east portico, looking south into unexcavated. According to Boyce – In the west wall of the kitchen, reached from the south side of the peristyle, was a rectangular niche (h.0.44, w.0.65, d.0.26, h. above floor 1.0). On the wall above it was a lararium painting. The Genius was on the right of a flaming tripod adorned with garlands. On the left was a tibicen and to the right stood a camillus. On each side of this group stood a Lar. The serpents were painted on the back wall of the niche. Both serpents were red and yellow, and their tails extended over onto the side walls of the niche. The altar between them was painted as imitation red and yellow variegated marble. The layer of plaster on which the serpents had been painted had partly fallen away, revealing beneath it an earlier layer. The earlier layer was also decorated with painted figures, however Boyce thought it was impossible to ascertain what they were. He quoted reference – Not. Scavi, 1880, 298. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 90, no. 452).

IX.8.c Pompeii. May 2005. Site of east portico, looking south into unexcavated.

According to Boyce –

In the west wall of the kitchen, reached from the south side of the peristyle, was a rectangular niche (h.0.44, w.0.65, d.0.26, h. above floor 1.0). On the wall above it was a lararium painting.

The Genius was on the right of a flaming tripod adorned with garlands.

On the left was a tibicen and to the right stood a camillus. On each side of this group stood a Lar.

The serpents were painted on the back wall of the niche.

Both serpents were red and yellow, and their tails extended over onto the side walls of the niche.

The altar between them was painted as imitation red and yellow variegated marble.

The layer of plaster on which the serpents had been painted had partly fallen away, revealing beneath it an earlier layer.

The earlier layer was also decorated with painted figures, however Boyce thought it was impossible to ascertain what they were.

He quoted reference – Not. Scavi, 1880, 298.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 90, no. 452).

 

IX.9.1 Pompeii.

Vaulted niche set into west wall of bar-room.

 

IX.9.1 Pompeii. May 2003. Looking across counter towards the west wall with display shelving and niche. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

IX.9.1 Pompeii. May 2003.

Looking across counter towards the west wall with display shelving and niche. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

 

IX.9.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Remains of niche. According to Boyce – In the west wall is a vaulted niche (h.0.43, w.0.42, d. varies from 0.17 to 0.21, h. above floor 1.20). Its inside wall were coated with white stucco. He quoted Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1888, 514 as his source. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90 no. 453)

IX.9.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Remains of niche.

According to Boyce –

In the west wall is a vaulted niche (h.0.43, w.0.42, d. varies from 0.17 to 0.21, h. above floor 1.20).

Its inside walls were coated with white stucco.

He quoted Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1888, 514 as his source.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.90 no. 453)

 

IX.9.2 Pompeii.

Arched niche in west wall of peristyle, with painting below.

 

IX.9.2/a Pompeii. March 2009. Looking west across wide north portico of peristyle. The arched niche with lararium painting below, referred to by Boyce as IX.9.2 is in the rear west wall of the peristyle. For further photos of peristyle area, and surrounding rooms see IX.9.a.

IX.9.2/a Pompeii. March 2009. Looking west across wide north portico of peristyle.

The arched niche with lararium painting below, referred to by Boyce as IX.9.2 is in the rear west wall of the peristyle. 

For further photos of peristyle area, and surrounding rooms see IX.9.a.

 

IX.9.a/2 Pompeii. March 2009. According to Boyce – In the west wall of the peristyle is an arched niche (h.0.35, w.0.40, d.0.30, h. above floor 1.27). The white ground of the back wall of the niche shows faint traces of a painting; in the floor is a hole for the base of a statuette. The wall below the niche is marked off as a panel by red stripes (h.0.65, w.2.0), and in the panel is the lararium painting. In the centre stands an altar furnished with an egg, and on the left of it is a serpent coiling amidst plants with red flowers. On the right of the same altar is the Genius accompanied by camillus and popa. The Genius is wreathed, wears white tunic with a vertical stripe on the left side (the right side is covered by the toga) and the toga with the broad red band which is visible in the fold which he has drawn over his head, and carries the usual cornucopia and patera; the camillus is wreathed, wears white tunic with two vertical red stripes, and carries in the left hand a shallow dish with unidentified objects represented in it, in his right hand – leaves and fillets; the popa stands farthest to the right, is also wreathed, wears a garment around the lower part of his body, and holds a sacrificial knife in his right hand, while he conducts a hog adorned with a broad red band towards the altar. His references – Not. Scavi,1888, 515. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 90-91, no. 454) See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (IX.9.2:110, p.213, no.110). See IX.9.a for further photos of peristyle area, and surrounding rooms.

IX.9.2/a Pompeii. March 2009.

According to Boyce –

In the west wall of the peristyle is an arched niche (h.0.35, w.0.40, d.0.30, h. above floor 1.27).

The white ground of the back wall of the niche shows faint traces of a painting; in the floor is a hole for the base of a statuette.

The wall below the niche is marked off as a panel by red stripes (h.0.65, w.2.0), and in the panel is the lararium painting.

In the centre stands an altar furnished with an egg, and on the left of it is a serpent coiling amidst plants with red flowers.

On the right of the same altar is the Genius accompanied by camillus and popa.

The Genius is wreathed, wears white tunic with a vertical stripe on the left side (the right side is covered by the toga) and the toga with the broad red band which is visible in the fold which he has drawn over his head, and carries the usual cornucopia and patera; the camillus is wreathed, wears white tunic with two vertical red stripes, and carries in the left hand a shallow dish with unidentified objects represented in it, in his right hand – leaves and fillets; the popa stands farthest to the right, is also wreathed, wears a garment around the lower part of his body, and holds a sacrificial knife in his right hand, while he conducts a hog adorned with a broad red band towards the altar.

His references – Not. Scavi,1888, 515.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p. 90-91, no. 454)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (IX.9.2:110, p.213, no.110).

See IX.9.a for further photos of peristyle area, and surrounding rooms.

 

IX.9.4 Pompeii.

Vaulted niche in north wall of portico. (No photo).

 

IX.9.4 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking south across atrium, with doorway to room ‘g’, triclinium, left of centre, and doorway from room ‘f’, tablinum to garden. According to Boyce – In the north wall of the portico which looks out onto the garden from the north side, is a vaulted niche (h.0.40, w.0.40, d.0.12, h. above floor 1.60) – probably the lararium, according to Mau. On the ground before it lies a cube of travertine (0.24) which may have served as altar. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91, no.455). See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.286 no.V82)

IX.9.4 Pompeii. May 2006.

Looking south across atrium, with doorway to room ‘g’, triclinium, left of centre, and doorway from room ‘f’, tablinum to garden.

According to Boyce –

In the north wall of the portico which looks out onto the garden from the north side, is a vaulted niche (h.0.40, w.0.40, d.0.12, h. above floor 1.60) – probably the lararium, according to Mau. On the ground before it lies a cube of travertine (0.24) which may have served as altar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91, no.455).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.286 no.V82)

 

Small masonry altar found near west wall of garden area. (No photo).

 

IX.9.4 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking south across atrium, with doorway to room ‘g’, triclinium, left of centre, and doorway from room ‘f’, tablinum to garden. According to Boyce – In the north wall of the portico which looks out onto the garden from the north side, is a vaulted niche (h.0.40, w.0.40, d.0.12, h. above floor 1.60) – probably the lararium, according to Mau. On the ground before it lies a cube of travertine (0.24) which may have served as altar. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91, no.455). See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.286 no.V82)

IX.9.4 Pompeii. May 2006.

Looking south across atrium, with doorway to room ‘g’, triclinium, left of centre, and doorway from room ‘f’, tablinum to garden.

According to Boyce –

Near the west wall of the garden, opposite the masonry triclinium, stands a small masonry altar (0.43 by 0.37 at the bottom) coated with stucco.

He references – Not. Scavi, 1888, 516.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91, no.456).

 

IX.9.6 Pompeii.

West wall of room in north-west corner of atrium.

 

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Doorway to cubiculum in north-west corner of atrium. According to NdS, the doorway to this room was made narrower by the addition of a pilaster formed by rows of masonry bricks and tufa cut in a similar style, on its left. When found, this doorway was furnished with a door, the imprint of which could be seen at the time of excavation, but it could not be saved. The room had a rough signinum floor, and rustic walls. In the west wall was a semicircular niche, plastered entirely in white stucco studded with coloured specks, which could have been flowers. In this room, some amphorae were found (see NdS, 1887, p.561) containing lime. In the rustic plaster, on the pilaster between the entrance corridor and the doorway to the room (right in picture above), graffiti were found. They read – IVCVNDVS and QVOIVS VIINVS LABORE VITALIS See Notizie degli Scavi, 1889, p.123.

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Doorway to cubiculum in north-west corner of atrium.

 

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Niche in west wall of cubiculum. According to Boyce – this niche (h.0.45, w.0.41, d.0.18, h. above floor 1.27) had walls coated with white stucco decorated with green, yellow and violet spots, probably representing flowers. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 91 no. 457)

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Niche in west wall of cubiculum.

According to Boyce –

this niche (h.0.45, w.0.41, d.0.18, h. above floor 1.27) had walls coated with white stucco decorated with green, yellow and violet spots, probably representing flowers.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 91 no. 457).

 

West wall of portico.

 

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. West wall of wide portico, with lararium niche. This portico was supported by two pillars, by a masonry arch and a long architrave. The portico had rustic walls with a high black zoccolo/plinth, which, however, was not continuous: in the west wall, and really in the vertical wall from which the arch originated, a semicircular niche covered in white plaster was hollowed out. Underneath of which, was a matching masonry altar, leaning against the wall and parapet of the inter-columnisation. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1889, p.123.

IX.9.6 Pompeii.  May 2006. West wall of wide portico, with lararium niche.

This portico was supported by two pillars, by a masonry arch and a long architrave.

The portico had rustic walls with a high black zoccolo/plinth, which, however, was not continuous: in the west wall, and really in the vertical wall from which the arch originated, a semicircular niche covered in white plaster was hollowed out. Underneath of which, was a matching masonry altar, leaning against the wall and parapet of the inter-columnisation.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1889, p.123.

 

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Arched lararium niche with white stucco walls in west wall of portico, with masonry altar built under it. According to Boyce a coin of Claudius was found on the floor of the niche. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91)

IX.9.6 Pompeii. May 2006. Arched lararium niche with white stucco walls in west wall of portico, with masonry altar built under it.

According to Boyce –

Against the west wall of the portico which precedes the garden area, is built an altar (h.1.13), and in the wall above it an arched niche (h.0.44, w.0.40, d.0.18), with its walls coated with white stucco. On the floor of the niche, a coin of Claudius was found.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91 no. 458)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.292, no.C18)

 

IX.9.6/10 Pompeii.

Sacellum in garden against south wall.

 

IX.9.10 Pompeii. March 2009. Sacellum, or former kitchen. Looking east. Room with three niches and an altar with a masonry bench along the north wall and the north east corner. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (459, PL 41,1)

IX.9.10 Pompeii. March 2009. Sacellum, or former kitchen. Looking east.

Room with three niches and an altar, with a masonry bench along the north wall and the north-east corner.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.91, no. 459, PL 41, 1)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.286 no.V83)

 

IX.9.10 Pompeii. 1966. Detail of niche and painted garland on east wall. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski. Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details. J66f0344

IX.9.10 Pompeii. 1966.

Detail of niche and painted garland on east wall. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J66f0344

 

IX.9.8/9 Pompeii.

Room in south-west corner of house, with masonry altar. (No photo).

 

IX.9.9 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking south from corridor, towards doorway to light-yard (seen on upper right side). Through the doorway on the left, was an open courtyard garden area at the south of the corridor. At the rear of the doorway (on upper left-side) would be another room with a doorway from the open courtyard and with window into the courtyard on its west side. According to Eschebach, on the right was a kitchen with a window to the light-yard. At the rear was a windowed triclinium, and a courtyard garden. See Eschebach, L., 1993. Gebäudeverzeichnis und Stadtplan der antiken Stadt Pompeji. Köln: Böhlau. (p.442) According to NdS, the room on the right would have been a narrow storeroom. The room in the upper left-rear side was a “mystery” room (stanza mistica) with a projecting window into the courtyard. In the courtyard was the doorway to the “mystery” room, on its external wall was seen the remains of a painting of a large serpent. In its north-west corner, and bricked into the pilaster, was a terracotta tub or basin ? See Notizie degli Scavi, 1889, p.526

IX.9.9 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking south from corridor, towards doorway to light-yard (seen on upper right side).

Through the doorway on the left, was an open courtyard garden area at the south of the corridor.

At the rear of the doorway (on upper left-side) would be another room with a doorway from the open courtyard and with window into the courtyard on its west side.

According to Eschebach, on the right was a kitchen with a window to the light-yard.

At the rear was a windowed triclinium, and a courtyard garden.

See Eschebach, L., 1993. Gebäudeverzeichnis und Stadtplan der antiken Stadt Pompeji. Köln: Böhlau. (p.442)

According to NdS, the room on the right would have been a narrow storeroom.

The room in the upper left-rear side was a “mystery” room (stanza mistica) with a projecting window into the courtyard.

In the courtyard was the doorway to the “mystery” room, on its external wall was seen the remains of a painting of a large serpent.

In its north-west corner, and bricked into the pilaster, was a terracotta tub or basin ?

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1889, p.526

According to Boyce –

In the room in the south-west corner of the house, in the north-west corner stands a masonry altar (0.50 by 0.35).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.91, no.460).

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii.

Room used as a possible Sacrarium, according to Boyce.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Entrance doorway, looking north along vicolo.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Entrance doorway, looking north along vicolo.

 

Room 2, used as sacellum, according to Boyce.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, south wall of cubiculum. According to Boyce, this room housed an unusual sacellum. The south wall was coated with poor white stucco, and in it were set three arched niches. A larger niche was in the centre, with a smaller one on either side. All were coated with white stucco. In the street wall was yet another niche, formed by bricking up a former window. Thus the room was left without any windows. The recess in the south-east corner must date from when the room was a simple cubiculum. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.92, no.462)

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, south wall of cubiculum.

According to Boyce, this room housed an unusual sacellum.

The south wall was coated with poor white stucco, and in it were set three arched niches.

A larger niche (h.0.51, w.0.56, d.0.28, h. above floor 1.50) was in the centre, with a smaller one

(h.0.39, w.0.36, d.0.24, h. above floor 1.55) on either side. All were coated with white stucco.

In the street wall was yet another niche, formed by bricking up a former window.

Thus, the room was left without any windows.

The recess in the south-east corner must date from when the room was a simple cubiculum.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.92, no.462).

 

Arched niche with lararium painting in west wall, to the right of the entrance into the garden.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on west wall of atrium, with doorway and window to Room 6, Garden.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on west wall of atrium, with doorway and window to room 6, garden.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.287 no.V84).

 

IX.9.11 House

IX.9.11 Pompeii. May 2005. West wall of atrium, between doorways to rooms 6 and 5.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on west wall of atrium. According to Boyce, this was an irregular arched niche. The walls were coated with white stucco and decorated with green plants and red flowers. The same decoration extended onto the wall on each side of the niche, where apart from the plants, was a painted bird. Above the niche was a garland, on the left side was seen a part of a figure of a Lar, the only part that remained of the Lararium painting. In the floor of the niche, near the back wall, was a square hole for the base of a statuette. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 91, no.461)

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on west wall of atrium.

According to Boyce, this was an irregular arched niche (h.0.45, w.0.40, d.0.25, h. above floor 1.50).

The walls were coated with white stucco and decorated with green plants and red flowers.

The same decoration extended onto the wall on each side of the niche, where apart from the plants, was a painted bird.

Above the niche was a garland, on the left side was seen a part of a figure of a Lar, the only part that remained of the Lararium painting.

In the floor of the niche, near the back wall, was a square hole for the base of a statuette.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 91, no. 461)

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, p. 261.

 

Unusual Lararium painting on west wall of garden area near south end.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Doorway to Room 6. Garden area, from atrium.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Doorway to room 6, garden area, from atrium. Looking west.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6. Garden area. South wall and south west corner, with remains of Lararium painting.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, garden area. South wall and south-west corner, with remains of lararium painting.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, Garden area. South west corner, with rectangular basin. Above this was the Lararium painting, badly damaged when found. The Lararium included a painting of Bacchus, a male follower of Bacchus and two maenads, Agave with the head of Pentheus, and Silenus. See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas, p. 247. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (463c).

IX.9.11 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, garden area. South-west corner, with a kind of rectangular basin with masonry walls.

Above this basin was an unusual lararium painting (h.1.60, w.2.15), badly damaged when found.

The lararium included a painting of Bacchus, a male follower of Bacchus and two maenads, Agave with the head of Pentheus, and Silenus.

A terracotta pot containing the burnt bones of animals was found in the basin.

A short distance away, near the south wall, stood a small altar of travertine (diam.0.27, h.0.28).

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas, p. 247.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p. 92, no. 463).

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. 1890 drawing of part of the lararium painting, room 6, garden area. Agave holds the head of Pentheus in her outstretched right hand. To her left is an axe. See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1890, p. 251.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. 1890 drawing of part of the lararium painting, room 6, garden area.

Agave holds the head of Pentheus in her outstretched right hand. To her left is an axe.

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1890, p. 251.

 

IX.9.11 Pompeii. Room 6, garden area, south west corner, under the lararium painting. Drawing of small cylindrical terracotta altar, the top of which showed signs of burning. See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1890, p. 251.

IX.9.11 Pompeii. Room 6, garden area, south west corner, under the lararium painting.

Drawing of small cylindrical terracotta altar, the top of which showed signs of burning.

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1890, p. 251.

 

IX.9.12 Pompeii.

Sacrarium built in south-west corner of central courtyard room, no trace remains.

 

IX.9.12 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking west across room 11, the central courtyard room. According to Boyce – on the left in the south-west corner a sacrarium was built by running a wall parallel to the south wall, and extending 1.14 from the west wall, and covering the enclosure with a sloping roof (height varies from 1.60 to 2.0). At the east end of this sanctuary stood a small altar of tufa (0.50 by 0.40, h.0.60) originally coated in stucco. The inside surface of the north wall is decorated upon a white ground with a line-drawing: an aedicula and within it a male figure, standing clad in a yellow, tunic-like garment, the front of which is white between two red stripes running vertically from shoulder to hem; his flesh is reddish; in his left hand he holds a palm (?) branch at the level of his waist, in his right hand three taeniae; around his head is a fillet. The opposite south wall is also covered with white stucco, the west wall with a coarser variety. Near the sacellum was found a female head of terracotta (h.0.17) with idealized features, apparently part of a statue. He quotes reference Not. Scavi, 1889, 136, 1891, 255. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 92-3, no.464).

IX.9.12 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking west across room 11, the central courtyard room.

According to Boyce – on the left in the south-west corner a sacrarium was built by running a wall parallel to the south wall, and extending 1.14 from the west wall, and covering the enclosure with a sloping roof (height varies from 1.60 to 2.0).

At the east end of this sanctuary stood a small altar of tufa (0.50 by 0.40, h.0.60) originally coated in stucco.

The inside surface of the north wall is decorated upon a white ground with a line-drawing: an aedicula and within it a male figure, standing clad in a yellow, tunic-like garment, the front of which is white between two red stripes running vertically from shoulder to hem; his flesh is reddish; in his left hand he holds a palm (?) branch at the level of his waist, in his right hand three taeniae; around his head is a fillet. The opposite south wall is also covered with white stucco, the west wall with a coarser variety.

Near the sacellum was found a female head of terracotta (h.0.17) with idealized features, apparently part of a statue.

He quotes reference Not. Scavi, 1889, 136, 1891, 255.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 92-3, no.464).

 

Square niche set into north wall of kitchen.

 

IX.9.12 Pompeii. March 2009. Doorway to Room 15, Kitchen. Looking east from Room 16, the Light-yard.

IX.9.12 Pompeii. March 2009. Doorway to room 15, kitchen. Looking east from room 16, the light yard or small courtyard.

 

IX.9.12 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 15, remains of niche in north-west corner of kitchen According to NdS, on the extreme west of the north wall of the kitchen was a rectangular niche, protected by a small roof. Near this was found the usual painted lararium with Lares, the family Genius sacrificing at the altar, and a tibicin with double flute. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, (p.256). According to Boyce – In the north wall of the kitchen is a square niche (0.65 square, d.0.25, h. above floor 1.50), with a projecting tile below. On the wall to the right of it are visible traces of a lararium painting: in the centre, the Genius (h.0.48) with a fold of the toga drawn over his head pours a libation from a patera upon an altar; behind him is the tibicen (h.0.38); on each side stands a Lar (h.0.67) in short tunic, a wreath of leaves upon his head, carrying rhyton and patera. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.93, no.465).

IX.9.12 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 15, remains of niche in north-west corner of kitchen

According to NdS, on the extreme west of the north wall of the kitchen was a rectangular niche, protected by a small roof.

Near this was found the usual painted lararium with Lares, the family Genius sacrificing at the altar, and a tibicin with double flute.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, (p.256).

According to Boyce –

In the north wall of the kitchen is a square niche (0.65 square, d.0.25, h. above floor 1.50), with a projecting tile below.

On the wall to the right of it are visible traces of a lararium painting: in the centre, the Genius (h.0.48) with a fold of the toga drawn over his head pours a libation from a patera upon an altar; behind him is the tibicen (h.0.38); on each side stands a Lar (h.0.67) in short tunic, a wreath of leaves upon his head, carrying rhyton and patera.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.93, no.465).

 

IX.9.13 Pompeii.

Arched niche in west wall of south-west corner of garden, with lararium painting, no trace remains.

 

IX.9.13 Pompeii. May 2005. Room 6, arched niche set in west wall in south-west corner of garden. According to Boyce – On the wall to the right of the niche was the lararium painting: on the left stands a tripod of unusual form with a dark coloured vessel upon it. The Genius, standing to the right, pours a libation upon the tripod; he wears a wreath of leaves; the toga does not seem to be drawn over hs head as usual, though the preservation of the painting is poor at this point; he holds no cornucopia. Behind and to the right stand two figures: in the first plane, a camillus, also wreathed, and carrying fruit in a shallow dish; above and farther right, a popa, wreathed and carrying an axe. To the left of the Genius are two wreathed figures apparently women, though it is impossible to be certain, for only the upper portions of their figures are preserved. On the left side of the niche there was not room for painted figures, but on the adjoining south wall the figure of the Genius appears again, clad in white toga and pouring a libation upon a yellow cylindrical altar with a fire; he is unbearded, his flesh is reddish, and in is left hand he holds a yellow cornucopia. This double Genius certainly has some special significance. ……. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 466). See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, p. 258 See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p. 247)

IX.9.13 Pompeii. May 2005. Room 6, arched niche set in west wall in south-west corner of garden.

According to Boyce –

On the wall to the right of the niche was the lararium painting: on the left stands a tripod of unusual form with a dark coloured vessel upon it. The Genius, standing to the right, pours a libation upon the tripod; he wears a wreath of leaves; the toga does not seem to be drawn over hs head as usual, though the preservation of the painting is poor at this point; he holds no cornucopia. Behind and to the right stand two figures: in the first plane, a camillus, also wreathed, and carrying fruit in a shallow dish; above and farther right, a popa, wreathed and carrying an axe.

To the left of the Genius are two wreathed figures apparently women, though it is impossible to be certain, for only the upper portions of their figures are preserved.

On the left side of the niche there was not room for painted figures, but on the adjoining south wall the figure of the Genius appears again, clad in white toga and pouring a libation upon a yellow cylindrical altar with a fire; he is unbearded, his flesh is reddish, and in is left hand he holds a yellow cornucopia.

This double Genius certainly has some special significance. …….

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 466).

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, p. 258

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p. 247).

 

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Lararium arched niche (h.0.50, w.0.65, d.0.25, h. above floor 1.50) in the south-west corner of room 6, garden. The walls of the niche were coated with white stucco bordered in red, its back wall adorned with a stucco cornice.

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009.

Lararium arched niche (h.0.50, w.0.65, d.0.25, h. above floor 1.50) in the south-west corner of room 6, garden.

The walls of the niche were coated with white stucco bordered in red, its back wall adorned with a stucco cornice.

 

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Detail of Lararium Niche.

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, detail of lararium niche.

 

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, detail of lararium niche.

IX.9.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, detail of lararium niche.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii.

Rectangular niche on north side of peristyle.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2009. North wall of north-west corner of portico. According to Boyce – in the pillar that separates two doorways on the north side of the peristyle was a rectangular niche (h.0.30, w.0.28, d.0.20, h. above floor 1.38). The niche was adorned with a stucco aedicula façade which consisted of two half-columns supporting a pediment. In the tympanum was a patera upon a bluish background. Also according to Boyce, a bronze figure of Hygeia seated upon a throne with her feet upon a footstool, was found in a room to the left of the fauces. On each side of the throne stood a small tree, around which coiled a serpent. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 467, and Note 4). Giacobello described it as a pseudo-aedicula lararium. See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.287 no.V85)

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2009. North wall of north-west corner of portico. 

According to Boyce –

in the pillar that separates two doorways on the north side of the peristyle was a rectangular niche (h.0.30, w.0.28, d.0.20, h. above floor 1.38).

The niche was adorned with a stucco aedicula façade which consisted of two half-columns supporting a pediment.

In the tympanum was a patera upon a bluish background.

Also according to Boyce, a bronze figure of Hygeia seated upon a throne with her feet upon a footstool, was found in a room to the left of the fauces.

On each side of the throne stood a small tree, around which coiled a serpent.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 467, and Note 4).

Giacobello described it as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.287 no.V85)

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2009. Lararium Niche, with remains of Aedicula, on the north wall between two Cubicula.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2009.

Lararium niche, with remains of aedicula façade on the north wall between two cubicula.

This shows a small portion of the stuccoed half-column and pediment on its east end.

 

Lararium painting on west and north walls in kitchen.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Doorway into kitchen at east end of peristyle/garden. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Doorway into kitchen at east end of peristyle/garden. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Looking north-east through kitchen doorway. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Looking north-east through kitchen doorway. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. North-west corner of kitchen. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. North-west corner of kitchen. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Detail of Genius next to a round altar on west wall of kitchen area. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Detail of Genius next to a round altar on west wall of kitchen area. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. North wall of kitchen with Lararium painting. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 468, & Pl: 22,1).

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. North wall of kitchen with Lararium painting. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 93, no. 468, & Pl. 22,1).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.297, L108, Taf. 12, 1-2 & 13,1).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.214, no.111).

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. Detail of two Lares either side of a round altar which has a serpent winding around it. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023.

Detail of two Lares either side of a round altar which has a serpent winding around it. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023. East end of north wall of kitchen, wall painting of hanging birds, ring sausages, a pig’s head and meat on a stick. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.9.c Pompeii. March 2023.

East end of north wall of kitchen, wall painting of hanging birds, ring sausages, a pig’s head and meat on a stick.

Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.9.g Pompeii.

Lararium painting on south wall of kitchen, no trace remains.

 

IX.9.g Pompeii. March 2009. Looking east across small atrium, to doorway to rustic cubiculum (on left), and area of light-yard, (behind the atrium on the right). According to NdS, the atrium was of an irregular shape. In the middle of the front of the atrium was the cistern, the mouth of which was covered by a terracotta puteal. On the right of the entrance was a cubiculum with a high window overlooking the roadway. On the left was the latrine and the base of the Sarno stone staircase, by which one went up to the upper room and balcony. Opposite on the east side of the atrium was another rustic cubiculum. In the south-west corner of the atrium, a small hearth protected by a vaulted roof was found. This kitchen area was formed by the east wall of the cubiculum, the south wall of the atrium, and the wall of the impluvium. The impluvium was placed against the south wall of the atrium. See Notizie degli Scavi, 1891, p.264.

IX.9.g Pompeii. March 2009.

Looking east across small atrium, to doorway to rustic cubiculum (on left), and area of light-yard, (behind the atrium on the right).

According to NdS, the atrium was of an irregular shape.

In the middle of the front of the atrium was the cistern, the mouth of which was covered by a terracotta puteal.

On the right of the entrance was a cubiculum with a high window overlooking the roadway.

On the left was the latrine and the base of the Sarno stone staircase, by which one went up to the upper room and balcony.

Opposite on the east side of the atrium was another rustic cubiculum.

In the south-west corner of the atrium, a small hearth protected by a vaulted roof was found.

This kitchen area was formed by the east wall of the cubiculum, the south wall of the atrium, and the wall of the impluvium.

The impluvium was placed against the south wall of the atrium.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1891, p.264.

 

IX.9.g Pompeii. March 2009. Looking south into doorway into cubiculum on south side of entrance atrium. On the left would be the east wall of the cubiculum, and straight ahead would be the south wall. The small hearth in the kitchen area would have been in the area behind the east wall, on the left. Boyce’s west wall would have been the other side of this “east wall”. According to Boyce, the hearth stood against the south wall of the atrium and on the west wall near it was the lararium painting. Found in the cubiculum on the right of the entrance doorway was a small altar composed of a terracotta cylinder supporting a square plate of travertine. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.94, no.469) According to Giacobello, on the south wall of kitchen (e) was a lararium painting (not conserved). Perhaps this does not apply to this house, as it is headed IX.9.7, (IX.9.g?) See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.216)

IX.9.g Pompeii. March 2009. Looking south into doorway into cubiculum on south side of entrance atrium.

On the left would be the east wall of the cubiculum, and straight ahead would be the south wall.

The small hearth in the kitchen area would have been in the area behind the east wall, on the left.

Boyce’s west wall would have been the other side of this “east wall”.

 

According to Boyce, the hearth stood against the south wall of the atrium and on the west wall near it was the lararium painting.

The Genius (h.0.48) stands beside an altar, holding a cornucopia in his left hand and pouring a libation from a yellow patera held in his right hand. On the opposite side of the altar is the tibicen (h.0.40), his foot upon a scabellum. Behind the Genius is a small camillus (h.0.20), clad in white tunic with two vertical red stripes on his breast, and holding in his left hand a shallow dish, in his right – taeniae.

On each side of this group is a Lar in short-girded tunic – green with violet stripes at the neck and down the front, and a red pallium which passes over his arms and behind his back, and carrying rhyton and situla.  On the right and higher up is the popa, holding a knife in outstretched right hand, while with his left he pushes a hog along.

In the lower zone, a crested serpent glides among plants towards a burning altar.

Finally near the Lar on the right is a dolium and above it hang festoons.

Found in the cubiculum on the right of the entrance doorway was a small altar composed of a terracotta cylinder supporting a square plate of travertine.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 94, no. 469)

 

According to Giacobello, on the south wall of kitchen (e) was a lararium painting (not conserved).

Perhaps this does not apply to this house, as it is headed IX.9.7, (IX.9.g?)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.216, no.112).

 

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii.

Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. 2023 plan showing location of altar. Room 12 of House IX, 10, 1, located to the southwest of the atrium, is accessible through a narrow corridor (10) that originally led to a now blocked doorway into the southern sector of the house. The extensive restoration and redistribution of the rooms of the dwelling and the internal routes to reach the individual functional sectors of the dwelling also affected this small rectangular space, possibly open at the time of the eruption, in which three windows open on the north and west walls to illuminate the adjoining rooms (13 and 9). Standing on the south wall is a large lararium found in an excellent state of preservation and with the burnt remains of the last offerings still in place (see below). Planimetria dopo i recenti scavi del 2023 che mostra la posizione dell'altare nella sala 12. L’ambiente 12 della casa IX, 10, 1, posto a sud ovest dell’atrio, è accessibile da uno stretto corridoio (10) che in origine conduceva ad una porta tamponata, che immetteva nel settore meridionale della casa. I consistenti lavori di restauro e ridistribuzione degli ambienti della dimora e dei percorsi interni per raggiungere i singoli settori funzionali della stessa hanno interessato anche questo piccolo spazio rettangolare, forse a cielo aperto al momento dell’eruzione, in cui si aprono sulle pareti nord ed ovest tre finestre per illuminare gli ambienti attigui (13 e 9). A campeggiare sulla parete sud è un grande larario ritrovato in ottimo stato di conservazione e con i resti combusti delle ultime offerte ancora al loro posto (cfr. infra). See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 61, fig. 1. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. 2023 plan showing location of altar.

Room 12 of House IX, 10, 1, located to the southwest of the atrium, is accessible through a narrow corridor (10) that originally led to a now blocked doorway into the southern sector of the house. The extensive restoration and redistribution of the rooms of the dwelling and the internal routes to reach the individual functional sectors of the dwelling also affected this small rectangular space, possibly open at the time of the eruption, in which three windows open on the north and west walls to illuminate the adjoining rooms (13 and 9). Standing on the south wall is a large lararium found in an excellent state of preservation and with the burnt remains of the last offerings still in place (see below).

Planimetria dopo i recenti scavi del 2023 che mostra la posizione dell'altare nella sala 12.

L’ambiente 12 della casa IX, 10, 1, posto a sud ovest dell’atrio, è accessibile da uno stretto corridoio (10) che in origine conduceva ad una porta tamponata, che immetteva nel settore meridionale della casa. I consistenti lavori di restauro e ridistribuzione degli ambienti della dimora e dei percorsi interni per raggiungere i singoli settori funzionali della stessa hanno interessato anche questo piccolo spazio rettangolare, forse a cielo aperto al momento dell’eruzione, in cui si aprono sulle pareti nord ed ovest tre finestre per illuminare gli ambienti attigui (13 e 9). A campeggiare sulla parete sud è un grande larario ritrovato in ottimo stato di conservazione e con i resti combusti delle ultime offerte ancora al loro posto (cfr. infra).

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 61, fig. 1. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. Photo of the south wall of the lararium (12). The lararium is structured on two superimposed registers with an upper register decorated with stucco and a lower register decorated with frescoes. Fotopiano della parete sud del larario (12). La rappresentazione è strutturata su due registri sovrapposti con un registro superiore decorato a stucco ed uno inferiore decorato ad affresco. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 64, fig. 10. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

Photo of the south wall of the lararium (12).

The lararium is structured on two superimposed registers with an upper register decorated with stucco and a lower register decorated with frescoes.

Fotopiano della parete sud del larario (12).

La rappresentazione è strutturata su due registri sovrapposti con un registro superiore decorato a stucco ed uno inferiore decorato ad affresco.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 64, fig. 10. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. The lower register consists of a white background into which the masonry pulvinus altar decorated in fresco with brown faux-marble highlights is inserted. On the left side there is a fresco of a crested and bearded serpent heading towards the altar, which is surmounted by a painted rectangular aedicule terminating in vegetal whorls, and which frames the Genius patrisfamilias with cornucopia and patera making libations at a circular altar. The partial deterioration of the painted plaster base on which the scenes of the last phase are laid reveals, in a position off-centre from the previous one, a similar scene belonging to an older decorative phase. Il registro inferiore è costituito da una specchiatura a fondo bianco (1,55 x 2,20 m) in cui si inserisce l’altare a pulvino in muratura (0,75 x 0,50 m) decorato ad affresco con lumeggiature brune a finto marmo. Sulla sinistra è affrescato un serpente crestato e barbato che si dirige verso l’altare (Fig. 12), sormontato da un’edicola rettangolare dipinta e terminante in girali vegetali, che inquadra il Genius patrisfamilias con cornucopia e patera che compie libagioni presso un altare circolare (Fig. 13). La parziale consunzione della base pittorica a grassello di calce su cui sono stese le scene di ultima fase lascia intravedere, in posizione decentrata rispetto alla precedente, una scena simile appartenente ad una fase decorativa più antica. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 64, fig. 11. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

The lower register consists of a white background into which the masonry pulvinus altar decorated in fresco with brown faux-marble highlights is inserted. On the left side there is a fresco of a crested and bearded serpent heading towards the altar, which is surmounted by a painted rectangular aedicule terminating in vegetal whorls, and which frames the Genius patrisfamilias with cornucopia and patera making libations at a circular altar.

The partial deterioration of the painted plaster base on which the scenes of the last phase are laid reveals, in a position off-centre from the previous one, a similar scene belonging to an older decorative phase.

Il registro inferiore è costituito da una specchiatura a fondo bianco (1,55 x 2,20 m) in cui si inserisce l’altare a pulvino in muratura (0,75 x 0,50 m) decorato ad affresco con lumeggiature brune a finto marmo. Sulla sinistra è affrescato un serpente crestato e barbato che si dirige verso l’altare (Fig. 12), sormontato da un’edicola rettangolare dipinta e terminante in girali vegetali, che inquadra il Genius patrisfamilias con cornucopia e patera che compie libagioni presso un altare circolare (Fig. 13). La parziale consunzione della base pittorica a grassello di calce su cui sono stese le scene di ultima fase lascia intravedere, in posizione decentrata rispetto alla precedente, una scena simile appartenente ad una fase decorativa più antica.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 64, fig. 11. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. Snake in the lower register. On the left side there is a fresco of a crested and bearded serpent heading towards the altar. Serpente nel registro inferiore. Sulla sinistra è affrescato un serpente crestato e barbato che si dirige verso l’altare. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 12. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

Snake in the lower register.

On the left side there is a fresco of a crested and bearded serpent heading towards the altar.

Serpente nel registro inferiore.

Sulla sinistra è affrescato un serpente crestato e barbato che si dirige verso l’altare.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 12. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. The altar is surmounted by a painted rectangular aedicule terminating in vegetal whorls, and which frames the Genius patrisfamilias with cornucopia and patera making libations at a circular altar. L’altare è sormontato da un’edicola rettangolare dipinta e terminante in girali vegetali, che inquadra il Genius patrisfamilias con cornucopia e patera che compie libagioni presso un altare circolare. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 14. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

The altar is surmounted by a painted rectangular aedicule terminating in vegetal whorls, and which frames the Genius patrisfamilias with cornucopia and patera making libations at a circular altar.

L’altare è sormontato da un’edicola rettangolare dipinta e terminante in girali vegetali, che inquadra il Genius patrisfamilias con cornucopia e patera che compie libagioni presso un altare circolare.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 14. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. Stucco snakes from the upper register. The upper register consists of a red background (1.30 x 2.10 m) surrounded by brown, in which two crested and bearded snakes are represented in stucco relief, among shrubs. Serpenti in stucco dal registro superiore. Il registro superiore è costituito da una specchiatura a fondo rosso (1,30 x 2,10 m) contornata di bruno, in cui sono rappresentati in rilievo di stucco due serpenti crestati e barbati, tra arbusti. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 15. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

Stucco snakes from the upper register.

The upper register consists of a red background (1.30 x 2.10 m) surrounded by brown, in which two crested and bearded snakes are represented in stucco relief, among shrubs.

Serpenti in stucco dal registro superiore.

Il registro superiore è costituito da una specchiatura a fondo rosso (1,30 x 2,10 m) contornata di bruno, in cui sono rappresentati in rilievo di stucco due serpenti crestati e barbati, tra arbusti.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 65, fig. 15. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. The burnt deposit on the altar of the lararium (12). Il deposito combusto sull’altare del larario (12). See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 67, fig. 17. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

The burnt deposit on the altar of the lararium (12).

Il deposito combusto sull’altare del larario (12).

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 67, fig. 17. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. Traces of combustion on the altar during micro-excavation. Detail of the first level of the deposit (A); Deposit in section (B). Tracce di combustione sull’altare in fase di microscavo. Dettaglio del primo livello del deposito (A); Sezione del deposito (B). See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 67, fig. 18. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

Traces of combustion on the altar during micro-excavation. Detail of the first level of the deposit (A); Deposit in section (B).

Tracce di combustione sull’altare in fase di microscavo. Dettaglio del primo livello del deposito (A); Sezione del deposito (B).

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 67, fig. 18. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12. Eggshell fragments from the surface level (A) and the deepest layer (B). There is a greater degree of fragmentation and widespread traces of combustion for the remains coming from the deeper level. Frammenti di guscio d’uovo dal livello superficiale (A) e da quello più profondo (B). Si nota un maggiore grado di frammentazione e diffuse tracce di combustione per i resti provenienti dal livello più profondo. See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 68, fig. 20. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09 Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10.1 Pompeii. Lararium and altar recently found in room 12.

Eggshell fragments from the surface level (A) and the deepest layer (B). There is a greater degree of fragmentation and widespread traces of combustion for the remains coming from the deeper level.

Frammenti di guscio d’uovo dal livello superficiale (A) e da quello più profondo (B). Si nota un maggiore grado di frammentazione e diffuse tracce di combustione per i resti provenienti dal livello più profondo.

See PAP e-journal 6, 28.09.2023, p. 68, fig. 20. Download: PAP e-journals 2023 collection volumes 01-09

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. Unnumbered house on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1.

Room 32. Sacrarium with blue walls and niches in red centrally placed on 3 walls.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Plan showing location of sacrarium 32, with ante-room 31. See PAP press release 3rd June 2024 Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf Tav. 1. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Plan showing location of sacrarium 32, with ante-room 31.

See PAP press release 3rd June 2024

Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf Tav. 1.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Sacrarium room 32 (rear) with blue decoration, with ante-room 31 in red. The excavations underway in Insula 10 of Regio IX in Pompeii have recently uncovered a room that can be interpreted as a shrine, with walls on a blue background, attributable to the Fourth Style and decorated with female figures representing the seasons, as well as two allegories, respectively of agriculture and pastoralism (fig. 1). According to Ferdinando De Simone's analysis (De Simone 2017), by the time the shrine of Regio IX, 10 was decorated with the ancient divinities of the seasons and rural life, the surrounding area was already densely occupied by villas specialised in the production of wine, which was exported throughout the Mediterranean. Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, Fig. 1., p. 3. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024.

Sacrarium room 32 (rear) with blue decoration, with ante-room 31 in red.

The excavations underway in Insula 10 of Regio IX in Pompeii have recently uncovered a room that can be interpreted as a shrine, with walls on a blue background, attributable to the Fourth Style and decorated with female figures representing the seasons, as well as two allegories, respectively of agriculture and pastoralism (fig. 1).

According to Ferdinando De Simone's analysis (De Simone 2017), by the time the shrine of Regio IX, 10 was decorated with the ancient divinities of the seasons and rural life, the surrounding area was already densely occupied by villas specialised in the production of wine, which was exported throughout the Mediterranean.

Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, Fig. 1., p. 3.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Sacrarium room 32 with blue decoration, showing identical niches in red on three walls. Once the stratigraphic sequence was removed, two piles of cocciopesto of different grain sizes and a third pile with a mixture of lime, aggregates and cocciopesto were brought to light (fig. 6). The accumulations of pozzolana and cocciopesto can be traced back to the construction activities present in the house, in particular the room, originally a finely decorated chapel, was used shortly before the eruption as a deposit for amphorae and a place to store building materials. It should therefore come as no surprise that the sacrarium itself, at the time of the eruption, was transformed into a depository for amphorae and building materials: even when it was in operation, it was not a place with an exclusive sacral function; this distinguishes the sacraria from the lararia, which indeed retained their ritual centrality for longer, probably because they were directly linked to the exercise of the pater familias' power (cf. Van Andringa 2009). Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, Fig. 6, p. 4. The newly resurfaced room presents characteristic elements that refer to the architectural articulation of similar contexts and in particular the presence of niches embedded in the south, east and west walls. If the presence of niches in itself is not an exclusive characteristic of sacred environments, the monumentality that they take on in this context, especially in relation to the fusion with a decorative system, designed in relation to the presence of these elements, make the new discovery particularly interest. In the last phase of the domus' life, this room was also used as a storage for containers, with the usual tally notes written on the east jamb after the entrance, and to accumulate building materials. It was then explored between the 18th and 19th centuries through a tunnel to recover part of the furnishings and perhaps the polychrome marble emblem placed in the center of the floor mosaic. These are perhaps the reasons why the cult images were not found inside the niches, either taken in ancient times to be stored while awaiting the end of the building works on the house or taken away during eighteenth-nineteenth century explorations. See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, p. 5. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024.

Sacrarium room 32 with blue decoration, showing identical niches in red on three walls.

Once the stratigraphic sequence was removed, two piles of cocciopesto of different grain sizes and a third pile with a mixture of lime, aggregates and cocciopesto were brought to light (fig. 6). The accumulations of pozzolana and cocciopesto can be traced back to the construction activities present in the house, in particular the room, originally a finely decorated chapel, was used shortly before the eruption as a deposit for amphorae and a place to store building materials.

It should therefore come as no surprise that the sacrarium itself, at the time of the eruption, was transformed into a depository for amphorae and building materials: even when it was in operation, it was not a place with an exclusive sacral function; this distinguishes the sacraria from the lararia, which indeed retained their ritual centrality for longer, probably because they were directly linked to the exercise of the pater familias' power (cf. Van Andringa 2009).

Download PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, Fig. 6, p. 4.

The newly resurfaced room presents characteristic elements that refer to the architectural articulation of similar contexts and in particular the presence of niches embedded in the south, east and west walls. If the presence of niches in itself is not an exclusive characteristic of sacred environments, the monumentality that they take on in this context, especially in relation to the fusion with a decorative system, designed in relation to the presence of these elements, make the new discovery particularly interest. In the last phase of the domus' life, this room was also used as a storage for containers, with the usual tally notes written on the east jamb after the entrance, and to accumulate building materials. It was then explored between the 18th and 19th centuries through a tunnel to recover part of the furnishings and perhaps the polychrome marble emblem placed in the centre of the floor mosaic. These are perhaps the reasons why the cult images were not found inside the niches, either taken in ancient times to be stored while awaiting the end of the building works on the house or taken away during eighteenth-nineteenth century explorations.

See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, p. 5.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Sacrarium room 32 west wall with blue decoration, showing niche in red with figures either side. On the left is the divinity of Summer. On the right is the divinity of Winter. A similar pattern exists on the east wall with representations of the divinities of Autumn and Spring. See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, fig. 12. p. 12, See also photos in the E-Journal (pages 12 and 13) of: Summer – fig. 20, Winter – fig. 21, Autumn - fig. 22 and Spring - fig. 23. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024.

Sacrarium room 32 west wall with blue decoration, showing niche in red with figures either side.

On the left is the divinity of Summer. On the right is the divinity of Winter.

A similar pattern exists on the east wall with representations of the divinities of Autumn and Spring.

See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, fig. 12. p. 12,

See also photos in the E-Journal (pages 12 and 13) of: Summer – fig. 20, Winter – fig. 21, Autumn - fig. 22 and Spring - fig. 23.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024. Sacrarium room 32 south wall with blue decoration, showing niche in red with figures either side. On the left is an allegorical agricultural image with a female figure carrying a form of plough on her shoulder and a tray with first fruits in her hand. On the right is an allegorical agricultural image with a female figure holding out a basket of first fruits and with a curved stick under her arm. See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, fig. 14, p. 9, and detailed photos of the two figures, fig. 18, fig. 19, p. 11. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

IX.10 Pompeii. House on west side of insula, south of IX.10.1. June 2024.

Sacrarium room 32 south wall with blue decoration, showing niche in red with figures either side.

On the left is an allegorical agricultural image with a female figure carrying a form of plough on her shoulder and a tray with first fruits in her hand.

On the right is an allegorical agricultural image with a female figure holding out a basket of first fruits and with a curved stick under her arm.

See PAP 15-E-Journal-Sacrario-Regio-IX.pdf, fig. 14, p. 9, and detailed photos of the two figures, fig. 18, fig. 19, p. 11.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

IX.12.6 Pompeii.

Lararium painting, with preparatory sketch, and an altar against west wall.

 

IX.12.6 Pompeii. May 2010. Room 6, west wall with lararium painting, from doorway at IX.12.8.

IX.12.6 Pompeii. May 2010. Room 6, west wall with lararium painting, from doorway at IX.12.8.

 

IX.12.6 Pompeii. February 2017. Room 6, west wall with lararium, and preparatory sketch, on right. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.12.6 Pompeii. February 2017.

Room 6, west wall with lararium, and preparatory sketch, on right.

Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.12.6 Pompeii. February 2017. Room 6, looking south along west wall towards lararium with altar below. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.12.6 Pompeii. February 2017.

Room 6, looking south along west wall towards lararium with altar below.

Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

IX.12.6 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, west wall, detail of the preparatory sketch for a lararium painting? See Nappo, S., 1998. Pompeii: Guide to the lost City. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. (p.57).

IX.12.6 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 6, west wall, detail of the preparatory sketch for a lararium painting?

See Nappo, S., 1998. Pompeii: Guide to the lost City. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson. (p.57).

 

IX.12.9 Pompeii.

Lararium painting on west wall of kitchen.

 

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2023. Room 13, west wall of kitchen on west side. Next to the room where the skeletons were found was a kitchen, with a stone counter. Above the kitchen counter were traces of a domestic shrine in the form of a fresco which appears to depict the household gods (Lares) and a ceramic pot partly set into the wall which may have been used as a container for religious offerings. See PAP: New victims from Pompeii emerge from the excavation of the house of the chaste lovers Ambiente 13, parete o0vest della cucina sul lato ovest. Accanto alla stanza in cui sono stati trovati gli scheletri c'era una cucina, con un bancone in muratura. Sopra il bancone della cucina, le tracce di un Santuario domestico sotto forma di un affresco che sembra raffigurare i Lares della casa et un vaso di ceramica parzialmente incassata ne muro che potrebbe essere stato utilizzato come ricettacolo di offerte religiose. Vedi PAP: Pompei due scheletri rinvenuti sotto un crollo di muro Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei. See/Vedi E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, p. 4, Fig. 3 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2023. 

Room 13, west wall of kitchen on west side. Next to the room where the skeletons were found was a kitchen, with a stone counter.

Above the kitchen counter were traces of a domestic shrine in the form of a fresco which appears to depict the household gods (Lares) and a ceramic pot partly set into the wall which may have been used as a container for religious offerings.

See PAP: New victims from Pompeii emerge from the excavation of the house of the chaste lovers

Ambiente 13, parete o0vest della cucina sul lato ovest. Accanto alla stanza in cui sono stati trovati gli scheletri c'era una cucina, con un bancone in muratura.

Sopra il bancone della cucina, le tracce di un Santuario domestico sotto forma di un affresco che sembra raffigurare i Lares della casa et un vaso di ceramica parzialmente incassata ne muro che potrebbe essere stato utilizzato come ricettacolo di offerte religiose.

Vedi PAP: Pompei due scheletri rinvenuti sotto un crollo di muro

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

See/Vedi E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, May 2023, p. 4, Fig. 3 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

 

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2023. Room 13, south wall of kitchen on west side. A male figure with a short tunic and cornucopia, interpretable as a lar. Ambiente 13, parete sud della cucina sul lato ovest. Una figura maschile con tunica corta e cornucopia, interpretabile come lare. Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei. See/Vedi E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, p. 4, Fig. 2 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2023. 

Room 13, south wall of kitchen on west side.

A male figure with a short tunic and cornucopia, interpretable as a lar.

Ambiente 13, parete sud della cucina sul lato ovest.

Una figura maschile con tunica corta e cornucopia, interpretabile come lare.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

See/Vedi E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, May 2023, p. 4, Fig. 2 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

 

The southwest corner retains traces of a decorated plaster in a poor state of conservation which must have referred to the first documented decorative phase. Despite the non-optimal state of conservation, it is possible to read on the plaster that covers the southern wall to the west a standing male figure with a short tunic and cornucopia, which can also be interpreted on the southern portion of the western wall, continuing with the same figurative scheme. In fact, two partially preserved male figures can be glimpsed and arranged in different registers, while snake-like motifs are visible on the sides. The plaster is covered by a subsequent preparation which incorporates a common ceramic olla (rim diameter 13.5 cm) with everted rim, housed in the wall and facing outwards (Fig. 3). The kitchen counter (h. 71 cm. length. 133 cm.) leans against the south and west perimeter walls. It was built in opus incertum with the north-east corner composed of blocks of yellow tuff of regular dimensions (24-31 cm. x 9 cm) also used for the plinth.

See E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, May 2023, p. 4, Fig. 3 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

 

L’angolo sud-ovest conserva tracce di un intonaco decorato in cattivo stato di conservazione che doveva riferirsi alla prima fase decorativa documentabile. Nonostante lo stato di conservazione non ottimale, è possibile leggere sull’intonaco che riveste ad ovest la parete meridionale una figura maschile stante con tunica corta e cornucopia, interpretabile anche la porzione meridionale della parete occidentale proseguendo con lo stesso schema figurativo. Si intravedono infatti due figure maschili parzialmente conservate e disposte su registri diversi, mentre ai lati sono visibili motivi serpentiformi. L’intonaco è coperto da una preparazione successiva (USR 32) che ingloba un’olla di ceramica comune (D. orlo 13,5 cm) con orlo estroflesso, alloggiata nella parete e rivolta verso l'esterno (Fig. 3). Il banco della cucina (h. 71 cm. lung. 133 cm.) si appoggia ai muri perimetrali sud e ovest. É costruito in opera incerta con l’angolare nord-est composto da blocchi di tufo giallo di dimensioni regolari (24-31 cm. x 9 cm) impiegati anche per lo zoccolo.

Vedi E-Journal, Scavi di Pompei, Vol. 1, May 2023, p. 4, Fig. 3 PAP E-Journal_01 (PDF)

 

Niche in north wall of portico.

 

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2010. Garden area 8, north west corner of portico.

IX.12.9 Pompeii. May 2010. Garden area 8, north-west corner of portico.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii.

Niches, atrium, to the side of the east wall of corridor leading to peristyle.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 7, corridor to peristyle and rear rooms.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009.

Room 7, corridor to peristyle and rear rooms, with recess/niche on east side.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, north-east corner of atrium. Recess with 2 niches.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, north-east corner of atrium. Recess with 2 niches.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.250, no.A41)

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, atrium. Niche above recess.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, atrium. Niche above recess.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, north-east corner of atrium. Recess with 1 niche above, and 1 niche in east side.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009.

Room 2, north-east corner of atrium. Recess with 1 niche above, and 1 niche in east side.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, atrium. Niche in east side of recess.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 2, atrium. Niche in east side of recess.

 

Lararium painting, west wall of corridor of entrance into kitchen.

 

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. October 2021. Room 21, lararium in south-west corner, west wall of services atrium. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

IX.13.1-3 Pompeii. October 2021.

Room 21, lararium in south-west corner, west wall of services atrium. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.298, L109, Taf.14,2).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.216, no.113).

 

IX.13, house on north side of IX.13.1-3, Pompeii.

Painting and niche, south wall of open garden area.

 

IX.13 Pompeii. May 2010. Excavation behind IX.13.1/3. Looking east from Vicolo di Giulio Polibio.

IX.13 Pompeii. May 2010. Excavation behind IX.13.1/3. Looking east from Vicolo di Giulio Polibio.

 

IX.13, house on north side of IX.13.1-3. 1977 drawing by M. Oliva of a lararium discovered in a garden to the north of IX.13.3. A small niche, which contained a lamp, has a garland above and two serpents approaching, one from each side. Two Lares are in the upper zone, one on each side. Below the niche is the genius and two female figures. Bottom at the right are Bacchus and Mercury. Bottom at the left are two figures. Two palm trees are also shown at the bottom. See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (F22, p.176). According to Fröhlich : Niche and lararium painting on the back wall of an open-plan room in a rustic utility wing with kitchen and repository. White-ground wall surface with an arched niche in the centre. The small arched niche, above which a garland is painted, is flanked by two Lares on separate ledges. In addition, two snakes arranged pyramidally on a rounded mound move towards the niche. Seven figures stand on the mound between the large serpents' bodies: at the top, directly below the niche: In the centre, perhaps the genius with the horn of plenty in his right arm, to his left and right women in long robes, the one on the left with a youthful parted hairstyle, holding a kantharos, the one on the right with a melon hairstyle, holding a headband or hair ribbon. A pair of gods is depicted in the lower right corner. On the left, Bacchus with right leg, crowned and wearing a cloak, grasping the thyrsus with his raised left hand and holding a jug in his lowered right hand. On the right, Mercury, with his weight on his right leg, in a short tunic and wearing a pallium and winged shoes, holding the Marsupium in his right hand stretched out to the side and carrying the caduceus in his left arm. At the bottom left, looking towards the gods, a woman in a long robe, raising both arms, and to her right a man in a short tunic, holding an unrecognisable object in his left hand. At the lower edge two small palms. The two figures described last appear to be standing in front of a planted field and probably refer to agriculture. See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.298, L110, (Taf.50,2). See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.287 no. V86).

IX.13, house on north side of IX.13.1-3. 1977 drawing by M. Oliva of a lararium discovered in a garden to the north of IX.13.3.

A small niche, which contained a lamp, has a garland above and two serpents approaching, one from each side.

Two Lares are in the upper zone, one on each side.

Below the niche is the genius and two female figures.

Bottom at the right are Bacchus and Mercury.

Bottom at the left are two figures.

Two palm trees are also shown at the bottom.

See Kuivalainen, I., 2021. The Portrayal of Pompeian Bacchus. Commentationes Humanarum Litterarum 140. Helsinki: Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, (F22, p.176).

 

According to Fröhlich : Niche and lararium painting on the back wall of an open-plan room in a rustic utility wing with kitchen and repository.

White-ground wall surface with an arched niche in the centre.

The small arched niche, above which a garland is painted, is flanked by two Lares on separate ledges. In addition, two snakes arranged pyramidally on a rounded mound move towards the niche.

Seven figures stand on the mound between the large serpents' bodies: at the top, directly below the niche:

In the centre, perhaps the genius with the horn of plenty in his right arm, to his left and right women in long robes, the one on the left with a youthful parted hairstyle, holding a kantharos, the one on the right with a melon hairstyle, holding a headband or hair ribbon.  A pair of gods is depicted in the lower right corner. On the left, Bacchus with right leg, crowned and wearing a cloak, grasping the thyrsus with his raised left hand and holding a jug in his lowered right hand. On the right, Mercury, with his weight on his right leg, in a short tunic and wearing a pallium and winged shoes, holding the Marsupium in his right hand stretched out to the side and carrying the caduceus in his left arm. At the bottom left, looking towards the gods, a woman in a long robe, raising both arms, and to her right a man in a short tunic, holding an unrecognisable object in his left hand. At the lower edge two small palms. The two figures described last appear to be standing in front of a planted field and probably refer to agriculture.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.298, L110, (Taf.50,2). 

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.287 no. V86).

 

IX.14.3 Pompeii.

Square lararium niche in east wall.

 

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Entrance doorway to east of IX.14.2, with square niche visible.

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Entrance doorway to east of IX.14.2, with square niche visible.

 

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Entrance doorway looking to east wall. According to Boyce, in the east wall was a square niche painted white within. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1911, 351. Boyce gives the location as Reg. III, Taberna located to the east of the entrance into the smaller atrium of Domus Obelli Firmi. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 31, no. 69)

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Entrance doorway looking to east wall.

According to Boyce, in the east wall was a square niche painted white within.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1911, 351. 

Boyce gives the location as Reg. III, Taberna located to the east of the entrance into the smaller atrium of Domus Obelli Firmi.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 31, no. 69)

 

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Detail of niche on east wall.

IX.14.3 Pompeii. May 2010. Detail of niche on east wall.

 

IX.14.4/2 Pompeii.

Aedicula lararium, north-west corner of atrium (b).

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. September 2019. North-west corner of atrium with lararium shrine 32. Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

IX.14.4 Pompeii. September 2019. North-west corner of atrium with lararium shrine 32.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1930s photo by Tatiana Warscher. Aedicula household lararium shrine 32 in atrium. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 30, no. 67 and Pl.29, 3).

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1930s photo by Tatiana Warscher. Aedicula household lararium shrine 32 in atrium.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 30, no. 67 and Pl.29, 3).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.251, no.A42)

 

Painting and niche, south wall in kitchen.

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. July 2017. Kitchen 18, painted niche lararium on south wall, with latrine in south-west corner, on right. Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

IX.14.4 Pompeii. July 2017.

Kitchen 18, painted niche lararium on south wall, with latrine in south-west corner, on right.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

According to Boyce, a rectangular space was enclosed within a simple painted aedicula of slender columns supporting a pediment.

The pediment represents red marble with insets of green in the centre and at each lower corner.

The inside walls of the arched niche are thickly covered with spots of yellow, green and red.

On the rear wall is a figure, which the report in Not.Scavi called Fortuna, but which certainly represents the Genius.

He holds cornucopia in his left hand and a patera in his right. There is no altar.

In the spaces at the sides, and below the niche but still within the painted aedicula were the following painted figures –

On each side of the niche was a Lar. Above each Lar was a garland with a bird perched on it.

Below the level of the niche was, on the right, a hog advancing to the left, and on the left was a banqueting scene with six persons upon a triclinium, three men and three women.

Immediately below the niche was a single serpent gliding right amongst the plants.

Between the entrance doorway to the room and this Lararium was painted a figure of Hercules with the club upon his shoulder.

The whole painting is very crudely executed.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1911, p. 214, with photo p. 217.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.31, no.68 & Pl.13, 2)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p. 299, L111, T. 48,1).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.218, no.114)

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. September 2019. Kitchen 18, detail of painted niche of lararium set into south wall. Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

IX.14.4 Pompeii. September 2019.

Kitchen 18, detail of painted niche of lararium set into south wall.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1931. South wall of kitchen, with painted niche. DAIR 31.2480. Photo © Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom, Arkiv. See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 31, no. 68 & Pl.13, 2)

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1931. South wall of kitchen, with painted niche.

DAIR 31.2480. Photo © Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom, Arkiv.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 31, no. 68 & Pl.13, 2)

 

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1911. Lararium in kitchen 18 at the time of excavation. See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1911, p. 217, Fig. 3.

IX.14.4 Pompeii. 1911. Lararium in kitchen 18 at the time of excavation.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1911, p. 217, Fig. 3.

 

 

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Ultimo aggiornamento - Last updated: 08-Jun-2024 18:37