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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.3179
Title
Fragment of a Roman Wall Painting with Standing Figure set back to back with Inscription on Slate
Classification
Fragments
Work Type
wall painting fragment(s)
Date
1st century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Pompeii (Campania)
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/289467

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Pigment, plaster, and slate
Technique
Fresco painting
Dimensions
H. 26 x W. 21 cm (10 1/4 x 8 1/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Henry W. Haynes, bequest; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, 1912, transfer; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1977.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Bequest of Henry W. Haynes, 1912
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.3179
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This fragment of painting depicts part of a figure standing under an archway. The figure faces left, but looks over his right shoulder. White, yellow, and light pink highlights model the figure's toned body and ringlets of curly hair. A long object, possibly a staff, rests on his right shoulder and his right arm reaches up to steady the end. On the right, a decorative green band is bordered in dark red.

Two fragments set back to back in plaster: A. Part of a standing figure in fresco; B. Inscription in Slate: VI-- DUO--
Commentary
Brightly colored wall paintings often decorated the interior, and sometimes exterior, of Roman buildings. The fragment shown is just one small part of a much larger decorative scheme that would have covered an entire wall. In some instances, small, decorative figures are found in painted architectural settings, between columns, archways, or other build features.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu