Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii
It’s possibly the hottest thing to hit Pompeii since the eruption of Mt Vesuvius covered the city in flaming ash and lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone) back in AD 79. A new exhibition, entitled Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii, includes 70 provocative paintings, sculptures, and other decorative erotica found at the vast 66-hectare archaeological site, on show together for the first time.
Exhibition Overview
Running until January 2023, the exhibition displays racy treasures such as paintings taken from Pompeii’s lupanar (brothel), featuring sexual acts customers were able to choose from. Moreover, a restored bedroom ceiling fresco portrays a naked Leda, the Queen of Sparta, with a swan upon her lap, depicting the god Zeus.
Erotic Treasures
Organizers stated that many of the erotic finds have either been unearthed during recent excavations or were secretly stored in Naples, at the behest of King Charles VII, the Neapolitan monarch who originally funded the excavation of the Pompeii site. Only individuals of proven moral standing were permitted to view them.
Historical Insight
As visitors enter the exhibition, they can’t help but notice the imposing statue of the god Priapus, famous for his exaggerated phallus, which symbolizes fertility in ancient Roman culture. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, remarked that this exhibition serves as an ode to the resilience of beauty amid challenging historical contexts, emphasizing that art reflects the intertwined nature of social, cultural, and political relationships.
Among the exhibition items, two medallions from a four-wheeled Roman chariot, used by religious women, showcase lively satyrs and nymphs, accompanied by an elaborately decorated wooden chest.
Interactive Experience
The exhibition, hosted in the western portico of the Large Palaestra, allows guests to explore a model Pompeian home, illustrating where sensual beauty would have been showcased. Visitors will find intimate scenes from the cubicula (bedrooms) of the Villa of Carmiano, depicting erotic narratives believed to introduce Greek erotic literature.
Additinally, the My Pompeii app offers a specialized section for discovering frescoes and erotic artworks scattered across the extensive grounds, encompassing over 1500 well-preserved buildings and numerous artifacts from ancient life.
For Children
In consideration of younger visitors, a children’s guide titled The Centaurs of Pompeii has been introduced, which explores the topic in an age-appropriate manner. The guide follows a centaur named Mares as he searches for love, while discussing various central figures from ancient mythology.
Entry to the Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii exhibition is included with admission fees, starting at €16 ($US17) per adult.
