Athena Review Image Archive ™
Pompeii: House of the Golden Cupids, frescos of guardian snakes
Pompeii: Frescos of guardian snakes in House of the Golden Cupids (photo: Athena Review)
The House of the Golden Cupids (VI 16, 7) is considered one of the best examples of domestic architecture and painting in the age of Nero.
In this image a pair of agathodemon snakes face a shrine, related to the cult of the Lares or family guardian spirits. This atrium painting is one of two in the house portraying symbols of snakes considered benevolent.
Another example in Pompeii of paintings of agathodemon snakes is in the lararium of the Thermopolium of Vetutius.
Copyright © 1996-2019 Rust Family Foundation (All Rights Reserved).