Pompeii’s Tragic Poet House & Roman Art Treasures

Tragic Poet House in Pompeii

The House of the Tragic Poet (domus) in Pompeii had two flats, but only the ground floor is preserved. It features two large rooms, an enclosed courtyard (atrium), and a courtyard surrounded by a portico with columns (peristyle). Two entrances (tabernae) opened to the street. The domus is entered through a vestibule leading to the atrium, which has an opening (compluvium) with a rectangular basin (impluvium) to collect water. Guest rooms (cubicula) surround the atrium. A corridor (tablinum) connects the atrium and peristyle, serving as a reception area. Around the peristyle are the house’s rooms (triclinium) and an altar (lararium) for household gods (lares). The house had minimal furniture, with walls adorned with large paintings and mosaics. Windows faced inward, relying on the atrium and peristyle for ventilation. Style: Roman. Rome featured apartments (insulae), family homes (domus), and summer villas. The domus was influenced by Greek houses. Historical Context: Pompeii, founded by the Oscans, was a vital trade and summer resort city. It was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, killing most inhabitants. Excavations in the 18th century revealed well-preserved artifacts. Significance: The house is named for a mosaic found within, indicating an upper-middle-class family. A Hellenistic mosaic at the entrance depicts a guard dog (Cave Canem), symbolizing home protection. Paintings depict the sacrifice of Iphigenia, an episode from the Trojan War.

Sarcophagus of the Spouses

Brief Description: An Etruscan sarcophagus depicting a reclining couple on a triclinium couch. Composition: Two figures lie raised at near right angles on a horizontal axis. Bodies are synthesized with defined volumes, not emphasizing anatomical detail. The figures are parallel, creating balance and harmony. Rhythm: Static, with contrasting movement in hands. Expression: Conveys a desire for eternity, with archaic smiles, detailed eyes, and hand gestures. Style: Etruscan, showing Greek influence. Meaning: Depicts a couple conversing, reflecting Etruscan beliefs in the afterlife and women’s active role in society. Function: Funerary, holding the deceased’s ashes. Background: Etruscan civilization valued material wealth, beauty, and women’s freedom.

Ara Pacis: Altar of Peace

Brief Description: A square building on a raised podium with two doors. The exterior features a lower zone with acanthus leaves and an upper zone with human figures, separated by a Greek frieze. Composition: Linear, with figures structured around vertical parallels. Hellenistic figures depict the imperial family with dignity and elegance. Rhythm: Balanced and serene. Expression: Presents the imperial family naturally, conveying power, nobility, and serenity. Style: Classical Roman with Hellenistic influence, representing high artistic quality. Meaning: Walls depict participants in a peace ceremony and deities. The doors feature the Numen, Romulus and Remus, and onlookers. Side walls show a procession led by Augustus and his family. Function: Commemorates Augustus’ victories in Hispania and Gaul.

Trajan’s Column

Brief Description: A column chronicling Emperor Trajan’s triumphs in Dacia. Composition: A cylindrical shaft of Carrara marble drums on a dice-shaped base, topped with a Doric capital and a bronze statue of Trajan. The shaft features a continuous spiral relief depicting scenes from the Dacian Wars. Style: Classical Roman, narrating events realistically and conceptually. Interpretation: Dedicated to Emperor Trajan, the reliefs depict battles between Romans and Dacians, showcasing Trajan’s victory. It portrays human emotions, including defeat and pain. Function: Commemorates Roman victories in the Dacian Wars.