The architectural and landscape frescoes at the Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy

Boscoreale ➤
Pompeii ➤
Herculaneum ➤

River or seascape, Stabiae, Villa Saint Mark

Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (39 × 39 cm) 45–79 AD

River or coastal landscape In this river or seascape, a sanctuary perched on a hill can be seen in the background.

At the foot of this temple and along the shore, other buildings are visible.

The one situated at the water’s edge is a series of colonnades, suggesting a large-scale structure.

On the opposite bank, on our side, likely built on a small island or peninsula, a long colonnaded portico leads to single-storey buildings situated on the riverbank.

In the foreground, on the left, three statues raised on a plinth stand in front of a small sacred building.

To reach it, one must climb the three steps on the right.

Two figures, who have come to worship the local deities of the Venue, each hold a long torch. To the right of the central figure stands a tall bronze tripod, the significance of which is most likely religious.

Medallions with seascapes, Stabiae, Villa Saint Mark

Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (52 × 52 cm) 45–79 AD

In the medallion at the top left, one can see a temple in the foreground, with a gold-covered statue atop a tower situated next to the temple entrance with four columns.

Two figures stand in front of the temple, whilst a third is fishing from the bank.

Medallions featuring seascapes Two rowing boats can also be seen on the horizon.

In the upper part of the medallion, one can see quays topped with towers.

In the background, a bridge looms in front of what appears to be the harbour entrance.

The upper right medallion depicts a scene similar to that of the previous medallion.

In the foreground stands a raised temple with four external steps and two internal steps.
In the background, one can see quays topped with towers and the harbour entrance.

The lower left medallion, meanwhile, shows a temple in the foreground.

At the top of this temple, a large vase covered in gold can be seen.
The lower right medallion depicts several large buildings with multiple storeys. They are surrounded by water.

Yellow Landscape, Vesuvian Area

Fresco – Water-based pigments on coating (28 × 98 cm) 45–79 AD

This fresco from the Vesuvius region depicts several figures going about their daily activities.

Yellow Landscape Fresco, Vesuvian Area, Archaeological Museum of Naples

Yellow Landscape On the right, one can see a spacious villa flanked by two colonnaded wings.

The front façade features a colonnaded tower on its left; the right-hand side of the façade is too badly damaged to make out any other possible tower.

It should be noted that the villa is raised above the path followed by the figures depicted.

Indeed, two staircases can be seen leading up to the villa.

Temples are depicted on the left-hand side of the fresco. They are raised, just like the villa.

In front of the temple closest to the villa stands a statue.

Gardens, Vesuvian Area

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

This fresco depicts gardens in the Vesuvian region, bordering a river.

Jardins Mural, Vesuvian Area, Archaeological Museum of Naples