Novità!
The Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii was partially uncovered in 1909-1910 and fully excavated in 1929-1930 by Amedeo Maiuri.
Indeed, the complex, submerged for centuries under debris and lava, is an example of the combination of a Roman otium villa and a rustic villa.
This residence belonged to the Istacidii family, one of the most important families of Augustan Pompeii.
The complex was probably built in the first century at the time of the eruption (79 AD). However, already from 62 AD, it underwent transformation from a civilian residence to a wine-producing estate, with a beautiful view of the sea.
However, the highlight of this place is an extraordinary painted cycle occupying the middle section of the triclinium: the Hall of the Mysteries.
The scene is dominated by the divine couple, Dionysus and Aphrodite, placed at the center of the back wall.
In Dionysian rites, characterized by wine intoxication, music, dance, satyrs, and bacchantes, mythical alter egos of the participants, reached a state of trance.
The outcome of the ritual was traditionally linked to the grape harvest and represented the temporary return of the participant to a natural and animalistic condition. Returned to the public, in all its beauty, the Villa of the Mysteries is one of the most emblematic buildings of ancient Pompeii.
The frescoes of the triclinium of the Villa of the Mysteries are a spectacular example of the Second Roman Style of painting.
This splendid example of Pompeian art is composed of strong colors and few architectural elements in perspective representing an initiation ritual to Dionysian mysteries.
The characters depicted, partly real and partly mythological, are grouped against the red panels, between the pilasters.
The Second Style of Roman painting is known as Perspective Architecture Painting and dates to the second half of the 1st century BC–1st century AD.
