Architectural Frescoes and Landscapes from Herculaneum at the Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy

Architecture, Herculaneum

Architectural fresco, Herculaneum, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Architecture, Herculaneum Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (108 × 105 cm) 20 BC–37 AD

This architectural fresco depicts the pronaos of a temple, whose columns are Ionic and fluted.

The pediment of the temple is decorated with palmettes.

A large Corinthian column stands on the right, topped by a large vase.

Admittedly, this temple is imaginary, but it nevertheless gives us a good idea of the architecture of the temples at Herculaneum.

A particularly meticulous architectural painting, which is also relatively well-preserved.

Garden, pomegranate tree and birds, Herculaneum

Mural depicting a garden, a pomegranate tree and birds, Herculaneum, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Garden, pomegranate tree and birds Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating – 45–79 AD

This charming fresco depicts a garden in Herculaneum.

In the foreground, we see a fence decorated with a lattice pattern offering a glimpse of a lush garden, where a pomegranate tree grows, bearing a few fruits.

On the left, a bird is perched on one of the branches of the pomegranate tree.

Another bird, with a neck and breast of beige and dark red colour, is perched on the fence and looking towards the fruit tree.

As in most of the frescoes discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum, this scene conveys a sense of tranquillity, highlighting the importance attached to nature by its inhabitants.

Indeed, many houses in Pompeii and Herculaneum had a garden.

The largest villas often had several.

Fancy a country house in Herculaneum or Pompeii?

Fishermen along a river, Herculaneum

Fishermen along a river Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (51 × 26 cm) 45–79 AD

This fresco, which comes from Herculaneum, depicts a landscape comprising several villas and temples, in front of which flows a river.

A few fishermen are on the riverbank, whilst a man carrying a load walks along the path, watching them.

A small scene depicting a peaceful day in Herculaneum.

Egyptian architectural landscape, Herculaneum

Egyptian architectural landscape Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (19 × 32 cm) 50–79 AD

Egypt fascinated the Romans, who particularly venerated the Egyptian goddess Isis in the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

It is therefore not surprising to discover, in a house in Herculaneum, this scene depicting an Egyptian landscape.

Two figures are depicted strolling along a river, a reference to the Nile.

Landscape with two temples, Herculaneum

Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (19.5 × 44.5 cm) 45–79 AD

This fresco, from Herculaneum, depicts a scene from everyday life.

Landscape fresco with two temples, Herculaneum, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Landscape with two temples In the centre of the scene, you can see two temples surrounded by trees and situated by the sea.

To reach these elevated temples, one must climb several steps, as is the case with most temples in Herculaneum and Pompeii.

On the left stands a tall commemorative column, erected on a pedestal, in front of which a worshipper is placing offerings.

In stark contrast to this religious atmosphere, a man is perched on the balustrade of the temple on the right and is holding a fishing rod.

Building with a tympanum, Herculaneum, Augusteum

Fresco – Water-based pigments on Coating – 45–79 AD

Building with a tympanum This fresco depicts a large building against a red background.
This imposing building, which was perhaps the entrance to a temple, features a pediment adorned with a triangular tympanum surrounded by cornices.

The top of the building rests on tall columns.

A light-coloured sculpture can be seen at the top of the left-hand wall.

On the right, a tall circular tower can be seen, composed of three or four columns, above which a sculpture can be made out, featuring what appears to be a winged head or bust at its centre.

This could support the hypothesis that it is a temple.

Circular temple on a red background, Herculaneum, Augusteum

Fresco – Water-based pigments on Coating – 45–79 AD

Circular temple fresco on a red background, Herculaneum, Augusteum, Archaeological Museum of Naples