Mythological Sculptures at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Greek and Roman mythology was at the heart of the decoration of the villas at Herculaneum and Pompeii, whilst naturally occupying a prominent place in the temples dedicated to the many deities worshipped by the Romans at that time.

The Farnese Bull and the Torment of Dirce, Farnese Collection, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Farnese Bull These legendary figures, and these deities who have lost their religious significance, have nevertheless acquired great historical value, for their adventures have inspired the creators of the finest works of art from antiquity.

Among these masterpieces, the monumental Torture of Dirce, a sculpture that has become famous under the name of ‘Farnese Bull’.

The rich Farnese collection, moved from Rome to Naples at the end of the 18th century, is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Naples; it is worth a visit to the museum in its own right.

Other bronze and marble sculptures, notably those discovered in the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum, are among the finest sculptures of antiquity that have survived to the present day.

Hercules at Rest

Apollo shooting an arrow

Aphrodite Venus Callipyge, the Aphrodite with the beautiful buttocks, Farnese Collection, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Aphrodite Callipyge

Amazon on horseback

Ganymede and the Eagle