Mural Paintings in Pompeii: Subject, Style & Technique

Introduction

Mural painting works of art in Pompeii are the absolute most amazing and very protected instances of old Roman craftsmanship. Pompeii was an old Roman city in southern Italy that was covered under debris and pumice after the ejection of Mount Vesuvius. The city stayed covered for about 1700 years until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The mural paintings in Pompeii cover a wide range of subjects, including mythological scenes, portraits, landscapes, still-life compositions, and architectural elements. One of the most common themes is the celebration of the pleasures of life, such as feasting, drinking, and leisure activities.

History

Pompeii was a Roman city close to Naples in Italy, which was obliterated and covered by the emission of Mount Vesuvius in 79 Promotion. The city was rediscovered in the eighteenth hundred years, and the very much safeguarded ruins have given a brief look into the life and speciality of old Rome. One of the most notable features of Pompeii's art is its extensive collection of mural paintings.

Mural paintings in Pompeii date back to the 2nd century BC, but the most significant development of this art form occurred between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. The walls of the city's public and private buildings were often adorned with paintings that reflected the tastes and interests of the inhabitants. These paintings covered various themes, from mythological scenes and portraits of notable figures to landscapes and still-life compositions.

First Style: Incrustation

Incrustation is a mural painting style commonly used in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Some information about Incrustation is −

• This Style involved using small coloured stones, shells, and glass to create intricate and detailed decorative patterns on walls and floors.

• The incrustation technique involved embedding small stones and other materials into wet plaster or cement to create intricate designs. The stones were arranged in patterns to create pictures, borders, and geometric designs. The stones were carefully selected for their size, colour, and texture and were often arranged in contrasting colours to create a striking effect.

• The use of incrustation was particularly common in the homes of the wealthy in Pompeii. These houses featured elaborate wall paintings and decorations, often combined with intricate mosaic floors. The use of incrustation added a new level of sophistication to the already luxurious homes.

Second Style: Architectural

The second style of architecture, also known as the "Architectural style," emerged during the Roman Republic and was popularised during the Augustan period. Some points about the Second Style are as follows −

• This style was characterised by the use of painted architectural elements that created the illusion of three-dimensional space. One of the best examples of this style is the mural paintings found in the ancient city of Pompeii.

• One of the most famous examples of the Second Style can be found in the House of the Vettii in Pompeii. Here, the walls of a large room are covered with painted architecture and scenes of landscapes and seascapes.

Third Style: Ornamental

The Third Style of Roman mural painting, also known as the “Ornamental Style,” emerged in the first century BC and reached its height during the reign of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). Here is some interesting information about the Third Style −

• This style is characterised by the use of intricate decorative elements and the creation of illusionistic architectural features.

• The Ornamental Style is often associated with the city of Pompeii, where many examples of this style have been found. In Pompeii, the Third Style emerged in the late 1st century BC and reached its peak in the early 1st century AD, before being largely replaced by the Fourth Style.

Fourth Style: Intricate

The Fourth Style of mural paintings in Pompeii is known for its intricate and eclectic style, which emerged in the early 1st century AD and continued until the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

• This style is characterised by a combination of elements from the previous styles, such as the architectural framing of the Second Style, the ornate decoration of the Third Style, and the illusionistic techniques of the First Style.

• In the Fourth Style, walls were often divided into panels, each with a different decorative theme. These panels were framed by architectural elements, such as columns, cornices, and pediments, which gave the illusion of depth and three- dimensionality.

• The decorative motifs of this style included mythological scenes, landscapes, still lifes, and intricate designs, often produced in vivid colours and with a high level of detail.

Post-eruption painting

The mural paintings in Pompeii are some of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Roman art. These paintings provide a glimpse into the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the people of Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

After the eruption, the city was buried in ash and pumice. But the paintings and other artefacts lasted for centuries until they were rediscovered in the 18th century. The paintings cover a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, mythological scenes, portraits, and still lifes.

Conclusion

The mural paintings in Pompeii are an exceptional example of ancient Roman art. The subjects ranged from mythological scenes to everyday life, and the Style and technique used were highly sophisticated. These paintings provide a unique insight into the culture and society of Pompeii and continue to inspire artists and historians alike.

FAQs

Q1. What technique was used to create the mural paintings in Pompeii?

Ans. The wall artistic creations in Pompeii were executed utilising the fresco strategy.

Q2. What is fresco painting?

Ans. Fresco is a wall painting method that uses water-based paint straightforwardly onto the wet mortar, so the paint turns into a vital piece of the mortar.

Q3. How were the walls prepared for fresco painting in Pompeii?

Ans. The people of Pompeii applied a cruel layer of mortar to the external layer of the wall. This was a significant part, and it was three layers thick and made from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2.) and coarse sand (or volcanic pozzolana).