When Pompeii was buried by debris from the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, many fine Roman paintings were preserved. Here’s a selection.
Roman
Superb paintings of this tragedy from Roman history, by Veronese, Reni, Gentileschi, Rembrandt and Godfrey Kneller.
It’s a good story that the first month of the year is named January after the two-faced god of transitions, Janus. It’s a shame that isn’t exactly true.
How a nymph is reputed to have dictated the first laws of Rome, and warrior triplets saved Rome from Alba. Poussin, David and others.
Romulus as founder of Rome, including the Rape of the Sabine Women and paintings by Rubens, Poussin, Ingres, David and others.
Were they descended from survivors of the city of Troy, or perhaps they were Greeks? Did the Romans welcome or exterminate them?
Isn’t it odd to have paintings of gruesome deaths and murder of Trojan captives in your family tomb? A mystery unravelled.
Narrative painting was popular and becoming increasingly sophisticated two millennia ago.
Covers 56 well-known narratives from classical Roman and Greek sources, with example paintings.
The strongest and most moving narrative can be the simplest: one woman and one dagger.
The Eclectic Light Company 