Pompeii. Household shrines to the domestic gods. Region V.

 

These pages contain all the references to Lararia, Aedicula, Niches, Sacrarium/Sacellum, and Lararium paintings, found inside properties in Pompeii.

For some of these the actual purpose is unknown.

The individual locations identified on each item may contain further photos and details, you can see these by looking at the pompeiiinpictures pages in question.

 

Back to household shrines list

Region V

 

V.1.7 Pompeii.

Room on south side of atrium, used as a Sacrarium.

 

V.1.7 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 5, round altar against south wall in room on east side of entrance corridor.

According to Boyce, this altar is in the form of a half-column, coated with stucco and painted to represent red and yellow variegated marble.

On the yellow background of each side of the altar is painted a serpent coiling among plants.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 32, pl.39,4).

According to Giacobello –

“This room was used as a sacrarium (width I.70, depth 0.95) with masonry altar (h.0.90, width 0.40) in the form of a half column, painted in red and yellow in imitation of marble: to the sides of the altar were seen two serpents, no longer conserved.”

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.236, no.A9)

 

Niche, south end of east wall of peristyle.

 

V.1.7 Pompeii. March 2009. Looking north along east side of peristyle “b”.

 

V.1.7 Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. Looking towards east side of peristyle “b”.

Pre-1937-39. Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 1583.

 

V.1.7 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on east wall of the peristyle “b”.

According to Boyce, the niche was coated with white stucco and in its floor were three holes for statuettes.

It used to have several iron nails driven into the wall beside the niche at the level of its floor.

Perhaps this was to hold in place an ornamental cornice of wood, as suggested by Mau.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.263, no.V28)

 

V.1.13 Pompeii.

Niche in south wall of corridor, with small vaulted recess at rear for a statue.

 

V.1.13 Pompeii. October 2020.

Looking towards south side of bar room, with doorway to rear room, and corridor with arched lararium niche in south wall (behind metal gate),.

Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

V.I.13 Pompeii. December 2018. South wall of corridor, with long recess and arched niche above. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.1.13 Pompeii. May 2003.

Niche in south wall, with small vaulted recess at rear for a statue. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

According to Boyce –

In the south wall of the corridor that leads to rear rooms, is an arched niche (h.0.38, w.0.34, d.0.18, h. above floor 1.45);

in the rear wall of it there is a small vaulted recess, apparently for a statuette, and in the floor, a hole for the insertion of the base.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.73)

According to Boyce – 2 bronze statuettes were found in the room, one of a Lar (height 0.115), one of Mercury with winged petasos (height 0.112).

He quoted references - Giorn. Scavi, N.S, iii, 1877, p.253, Bull. Inst, 1877 p.136, and VIOLA, Scavi, pp74, No.8, 75, No.18.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.73).

 

V.1.15 Pompeii.

Rectangular niche in west wall in south-west corner of atrium, no trace remains.

 

V.1.15 Pompeii. April 2009. Doorway to room on south side of entrance, leading into V.1.16. Looking west.

According to Boyce, in this area should have been the lararium, presumably destroyed in 1943.

He described it as being in a house transformed into a workshop.

In the west wall of the atrium, near the south-west corner was a rectangular niche (h.0.53, w.0.63, d.0.22, h. above floor 1.25) with aedicula façade and projecting floor.

The inside walls were painted blue and the opening of the niche was outlined with red stripes on the white background of the wall of the room.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.74).

 

V.1.18 Pompeii, (see V.1.11 for rear of house, services area).

Painting and niche, east wall of kitchen.

 

V.1.11 Pompeii. December 2005. Kitchen, hearth and niche, looking east.

According to Boyce, the arched niche on the east wall above the hearth had two holes in its floor for the bases of statuettes.

Only a faint trace of the original lararium painting on the wall beside the niche remained (when he wrote in 1937).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.75).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.162, no.35).

 

V.1.20 Pompeii.

Lararium painting on north wall of kitchen, hardly anything remains.

 

V.1.20 Pompeii. December 2006. Looking east from rear room “b”, across kitchen “d” into small garden or light-yard “f”.

According to Boyce, on the north wall of the kitchen above the hearth, was a lararium painting.

Only a portion of one serpent remained visible.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.78).

According to Sogliano –

In the kitchen was a “Sacred Painting” (p.19)

In the workshop was a painting of a standing Dionysus, giving his panther a drink. (p.38)

See Sogliano, A., 1879. Le pitture murali campane scoverte negli anni 1867-79. Napoli: Giannini. (p.19 and 38).

 

V.1.26/23 Pompeii.

Aedicula lararium, north wall of atrium.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. October 2023. Room “b”, north-west corner of atrium with marble lararium. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

According to Boyce –

A high podium (0.96 by 0.86, h. 1.13) is built into the corner and its two free sides are veneered with slabs of greyish marble.

Upon this base must have been erected an aedicula, its roof supported by three wooden pilasters or columns, the marks of the bases of which are still visible on the top of the podium. ………

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.33, no.80).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.236, no.A10)

 

Niche, south wall of cubiculum n.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. March 2009. Room “n”, west wall with niche.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. March 2009. Room “n”, niche.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.290, no.C9)

 

Niche, exedra opening onto peristyle.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. October 2023. Room L, looking east across peristyle towards room “r”, in centre. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. October 2023. Room “r”, looking towards east wall with niche. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

V.1.26 Pompeii. March 2009. Room “r”, rectangular niche in east wall of exedra.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.264, no.V29)

 

Painting, north wall of kitchen, no trace remains.  

 

V.1.23 Pompeii. March 2009. Room “n”, north wall of kitchen area, with bench.

According to Boyce, in the kitchen on the wall at the side of the hearth was a lararium painting. 

In the middle was an altar around which a serpent was coiling and on the right of it stood the Genius.

On the left stood a Lar, the second Lar stood behind the Genius.

Underneath there were another two serpents, further on the right side the figure of river Sarnus reclined, crowned with reeds and with a jar at his elbow.

The background was filled with plants.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.32, no.79)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.163, no.36)

Nothing remains of the painted Lararium today.

Sogliano described the lararium and placed it at V.1.10, the kitchen at the rear entrance doorway.

In 1879, when his book was published, he described the lararium as a “representation of the Lares with Genius now destroyed, the plaster has fallen, and only the Sarnus figure remains sitting and crowned…..”.

See Sogliano, A., 1879. Le pitture murali campane scoverte negli anni 1867-79. Napoli: (p.15, no.37)

Sogliano quotes Bull.Inst.1876, p.246. (See V.1.10 for extract from BdI).

 

V.1.28 Pompeii.

Pseudo-aedicula lararium, north wall of vestibule.

 

V.1.28 Pompeii. January 2024.

Looking towards north side of entrance fauces/corridor, with niche. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

According to Boyce, the square niche was surrounded by an elaborate aedicula façade of stucco.

In the floor of the niche were holes for the bases of statuettes.

The niche and façade were brightly coloured, the rear wall was white bordered with red and having delicate painted green plants on it.

The pilasters of the façade were yellow, their capitals red, white and blue.

The bands of relief that ran around the architrave and the cornices were also painted in these colours.

On the wall below the niche was a painted band of yellow.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.33, no.81, and Pl.1,5)

Described by Giacobello as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.231, no.F4)

 

V.1.28 Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. North wall of fauces and niche.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 958.

 

V.1.30 Pompeii.

Small rectangular niche on north wall of shop-room.

 

V.1.30 Pompeii. December 2007. North wall with niche.

 

V.1.30 Pompeii. December 2018. Niche on north wall at west end. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.1.30 Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of niche from west end of north wall. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

According to Boyce, the small rectangular niche (h.0.33, w.0.30, d.0.12, h. above floor 2.10), was high up on north wall.

The rear wall of the niche was last painted red with a blue border.

Underneath this last coat of plaster, several earlier ones could be distinguished.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p .33, no.82)

 

V.1.30 Pompeii. December 2007. Niche on north wall.

 

V.2.1 Pompeii.

Lararium painting, east side of atrium in recess, no trace remains.

 

V.2.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 1, east side of atrium, looking north to lararium recess and room 3.

According to Boyce –

Within a recess on the north side of the atrium, to the right of the tablinum, is a lararium painting divided into three zones.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.33, no.83).

 

V.2.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 1, recess “t” in north-east corner of atrium, outside room 3.

According to BdI –

“The recess/niche “t” was the lararium whose painted decorations were divided into three zones.

It was very ruined at the time of excavation, from the base –

Serpent near an altar, Fortuna with rudder and cornucopia, garlands and birds.”

According to PPM –

“The paintings, nearly vanished, were divided into three zones.

In the first (at the top) the painting in the middle was destroyed, on both sides there was a bird sitting above a garland

The second zone in the middle, had Fortuna (0.15 high) holding the rudder in her lowered right hand, and the cornucopia in the left hand; on both sides it seems that there was nothing but plants/herbs/grass?

The third zone contained a serpent with a crest, approaching the altar towards the left.

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1885, (p.159).

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.33, no.83).

See Carratelli, G. P., 1990-2003. Pompei: Pitture e Mosaici: Vol. III. Roma: Istituto della enciclopedia italiana, (p.773).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.294, no.P2)

 

Painting and niche, west wall of kitchen.

 

V.2.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 10, kitchen, and room 11, latrine. (BdI room no “v”, for both, described as “kitchen, latrine and fusorium”).

 

V.2.1 Pompeii. March 2009. Room 10, niche in west wall.

According to Boyce –

In the west wall of the kitchen above the hearth is a small arched niche (h.0.42, w.0.30, d.0.15, height above the hearth 0.55), coated with a red stucco, whereas the rest of the wall has only rough plaster.

On the south wall, between the door and the hearth, is the lararium painting (1.95 by 1.80): the Genius carrying a cornucopia, pours from a patera upon an altar which stands to his right; on each side is a Lar in the customary attire and holding rhyton and patera; in the lower zone are the two serpents confronted at an altar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.33, no.85).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.166, no.40)

 

Niche, west wall of garden area. (No photo).

In the west wall of the viridarium is an arched niche (h,0.35, w,0.33, d,0.16, height above the floor 1.60) – la nicchia dei Penati, according to Fiorelli in the Not. Scavi.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.33, no.84).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.265 no.V32)

See Fiorelli, Not. Scavi, 1883, p.424

 

V.2.4 Pompeii.

Niche with painting of Jupiter, south wall of atrium on east side of entrance.

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. December 2007. Looking south along east wall of atrium across doorways to rooms 7, 8 and 9.

At the far end is the south wall of the atrium with painted niche.

According to Boyce –

“In the south wall of the atrium to the right of the entrance, is an arched niche (h.0.45, 3.0.37, d.0.31, height above the floor 1.68).

The interior is white, outlined with red stripes, and on the back wall is painted the figure of Jupiter (h.0.26).

He is seated upon a throne with a green cushion, is feet upon a footstool; the upper part of his body is nude, the lower part wrapped in a reddish mantle; in his left hand he holds the sceptre, in right the thunderbolt; to the left of his feet stands the eagle which gazes upward at the god.

The vaulted ceiling of the niche, above a band painted in imitation of coloured marble, is decorated with yellow, rose and violet stars upon a white background, and in the centre are painted the bust of Luna with the whip in her hand and, below her, a crescent moon.”

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.34, n. 86, Pl.2,6).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.267, L42, taf 35.2).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.237, no.A11).

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. Atrium south wall. Niche with Jupiter seated upon a throne.

Photo by Tatania Warscher.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.34, n. 86, Pl.2,6).

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. Atrium south wall. Rear of niche with Jupiter seated upon a throne.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.267, L42, taf 35.2).

 

Niche, south-west corner of west portico of peristyle.

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. December 2007. Looking west along room 13, peristyle.

The west wall of the tablinum can be seen on the left, next to which is the doorway to room 14, next to the niche.

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. December 2007. Niche on west wall of peristyle.

According to Boyce –

in the west wall of the peristyle, in the centre of the space beneath the front portico, was an arched niche (h.0.48, w.0.45, d.0.23, h. above floor 1.44).

It was coated with white stucco like the walls of the room, except that the floor and the corners were red.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.34, no.87)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.265 no.V33)

 

Painting, south-east corner of garden area, no longer conserved. (No photo).

 

V.2.4 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 13, peristyle drainage channel, looking east towards south-east corner.

According to Boyce, in the south-east corner of the garden were painted the two familiar serpents.

One on each wall, one on the south and one on the east wall (h.0.80, w. on the east wall 1.46, w. on the south wall 1.50)..

The altar was painted between them in the corner of the wall.

The serpents were brown and yellow on a white ground.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.34, no.88)

According to Giacobello –

The painting is no longer conserved.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.265 no.V34)

 

V.2.7 Pompeii.

Niche, west wall of atrium. (No photo).

 

V.2.7 Pompeii. December 2007. Rooms 2, 3 and 4 on west side of atrium and room 5, tablinum/triclinium on north side.

According to Boyce –

in the west wall of the atrium between the doorways to rooms 3 and 4, was a niche (h.0.34, w.0.32, d.0.20, h. above floor 1.60).

Its inside walls were coated with white stucco which was adorned with little red and black spots.

Boyce said, according to Mau it was la nicchia del larario.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.34, no.89)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.238, no.A12)

 

V.2.9 Pompeii.

Niche in west wall of shop-room.

 

V.2.9 Pompeii. December 2018. Looking towards west wall of shop, with lararium niche. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.2.9 Pompeii. October 2022. Small niche lararium on west wall of shop-room. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

According to Boyce –

this arched niche (approximate measurements h.0.38, w.0.40, d.0.25, height above floor 1.20) was described by Sogliano as la nicchietta dei Penati, in Not. Scavi, 1896, 437.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.34, no.90).

 

V.2.9, Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of small niche lararium on west wall. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.2.10 Pompeii.

Possibly the aedicula lararium for domestic worship.

 

V.2.10 Pompeii. December 2007. Stone base on north-west corner of room 8.

According to Boyce –

In the front portico of the peristyle, on the east wall between the stair and the door to an adjacent room, a mass of masonry stands against the wall (w.1.22, d.0.60), flanked by two heavy antae, the height of which cannot be determined. Probably they rose to a height of about one metre and upon them rested a vault or some sort of roof and this was the aedicula for the domestic worship.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (92, p. 34)

According to NdS, between the rustic room 8, and the stairs to the upper floor, was a recessed seat between two walls and built against the dividing room pilaster.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1896, (p.437).

 

V.2.13 Pompeii.

Painting on west wall in south-west corner of shop-room, no trace remains.

 

V.2.13 Pompeii. September 2015. West wall, with masonry hearth or base, and corridor to rear.

 

V.2.13 Pompeii. March 2009. South-west corner of thermopolium, and masonry hearth or base.

According to Boyce,

“Above the hearth in the south-west corner is a poorly preserved lararium painting: The Genius is represented sacrificing at an altar; on each side originally stood a Lar, only the one on the right being now preserved; further to the right a single serpent approaches an altar.

The above description is taken from Sogliano published in 1879; the descriptions of this house in Rom. Mitt and Not. Scavi, published fifteen and seventeen years later, mention only an altar is visible in a painting, but presumably all refer to the same shrine.”

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.34, no.92).

According to NdS, this thermopolium had a sales counter and a small hearth.

On the west wall Sogliano could see the remains of a painted lararium, with a serpent sliding towards an altar on the left.

At the rear was located the room for the customers, which was bordered by a corridor to the latrine.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1896, (p.438)

 

V.2.14 Pompeii.

Niche lararium in north wall of shop-room.

 

V.2.14, Pompeii. December 2018. Looking north to entrance doorway on Via di Nola. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.2.14 Pompeii. October 2022.

Pilaster with niche Lararium in north wall of shop. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

V.2.14 Pompeii. December 2018. Niche Lararium in north wall of shop. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

 

V.2.14 Pompeii. December 2018. Detail of niche Lararium in north wall of shop. Photo courtesy of Aude Durand.

According to Boyce –

this rectangular niche (h.0.40, w.0.45, d.0.25, height above the floor 1.72) and had a projecting floor and its inside walls were coated with white stucco and outlined with red stripes.

He also mentioned that in Mau’s (1894) description of V.2.13, a cylindrical altar of travertine was found in the rear room.

Boyce thought there was confusion between the text and the plans of the rooms, and in fact the altar was found in V.2.14.

When the book was written, the altar was on display in V.2.14.

However, the Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1896, p. 438, does not record the discovery of this altar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.34, no.93)

 

V.2.15 Pompeii.

Painting and niche in north wall of first peristyle.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. Pre-1937-1939 Looking north across peristyle towards niche, and doorway to room 8, exedra.

The north wall of the exedra is still seen with painted decoration.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 480.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. Drawing published in 1900 by Pierre Gusman.

Looking north across peristyle towards niche, and doorway to room 8, exedra, on right.

See Gusman, P. (1900). Pompei, the city its life and art. (p.111).

According to Boyce, painted underneath the niche was the altar with two serpents. 

On the altar were two eggs and a pinecone.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (No. 94 on p.35)

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche in peristyle between room 9 and room 8. 

The niche was covered in white plaster and outlined with broad red stripes.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.265 no.V35)

 

Painting and niche, east wall of kitchen beside the hearth, no trace remains.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 9, looking north in kitchen, with latrine.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 9, niche on east wall.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007.  Room 9, lararium. Remains of several layers of superimposed decorated painted plaster in niche.

According to Boyce, red flowers were painted on the earlier white stucco on the side walls.

On the rear wall was a figure in yellow, perhaps a Lar, but only his feet were visible.  Today, nothing remains.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (No.95B on p.35)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.166, no.41)

 

Niches in east wall of narrow corridor in south-west corner of rear peristyle.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11d, corridor on left, and doorway to room 11e, on right.

Looking through doorway from south portico of peristyle.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11d, niches at north end of east wall.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11d, rectangular niche.

According to Boyce, Mau described this as a lararium. 

The walls were coated with white stucco, and in the floor were three holes for the bases of statuettes.

The walls around the niche were covered with the same white stucco. 

In the wall below, a semi-circular receptacle of terracotta was embedded in the floor of an arched niche. 

In the bottom of the terracotta was a round hole, as if for drainage, which suggested a connection with the water supply.

Today, there is not much remaining.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (no.97 on p. 35).

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11d, arched niche below rectangular niche.

This is the arched niche as described by Boyce above, which may have contained a type of terracotta wash-basin.

 

Niches in east wall of large kitchen/storeroom in south-west corner of rear peristyle.

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11e, niche on east wall of large kitchen or storeroom.

 

Painted aedicula lararium, with painting of Jupiter (Giove), from north wall of peristyle (z’).

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. Old undated photograph. Garden 11c. North wall. Lararium.

The Notizie degli Scavi records a panel of white stucco.

On this is painted an aedicula, which Boyce says is painted in blue, yellow, dark red and green.

Within the aedicula is a painting of Giove (Jupiter) seated on a throne.

Underneath is a masonry altar covered with white plaster.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1894, p. 439.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (96, p.35, Pl 39,3).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.267, L43. Taf. 31.1).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.266 no.V36)

 

V.2.15 Pompeii. Old undated photograph. North wall of peristyle garden 11c. Remains of central painting in lararium.

Giove (Jupiter) sits on a throne, his lower body covered with a green robe.

The sceptre is in the left hand, leaning on the arm of the throne.

The lightning bolt is in his outstretched right hand and the eagle at his feet.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1894, p. 439.

 

V.2.c Pompeii.

Painted lararium on west wall of room “b”.

 

V.2.c Pompeii. September 2021.

Looking east along entrance corridor “a”. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

V.2.b Pompeii. December 2007. Lararium on west wall of room “b” behind the bar of V.2.b.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (L44: p.267, T. 31,2).

 

V.2.b Pompeii. May 2003. Lararium on west wall of room “b” behind the bar. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

 

V.2.c Pompeii. 1931. Room “b”. Lararium painting.

DAIR 31.1772. Photo © Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom, Arkiv.

According to Boyce, this was a finely preserved lararium painting including a broad red stripe on all sides.

In the upper part, the Genius, wreathed and holding cornucopia in his left, poured a libation from a patera held in his right.

The cylindrical altar, painted in red and yellow imitation marble, had a blazing fire on its top.

On the opposite side of the altar, a tibicen in long white robe played the double flutes.

On each side, stood a Lar wearing tunic and pallium and holding a rhyton and situla.

The tunic of each Lar had a broad red stripe down the front and was yellow and blue.

The pallium was red. Three garlands were painted across the top, and two others hung down at the side.

Above the garland were three divinities – the Sun, Mercury and another, possibly the Moon, but even then disappeared.

Underneath, a yellow and brown serpent with red crest creeps towards an altar with fire and an egg on top.

On the right side of this altar is the figure of Sarnus, lying in the middle of aquatic plants.

He is very small compared to the serpent.

On the left side of the serpent, corresponding to Sarnus on the right, was another figure but also had disappeared by then.

The background of both zones was filled with plants with red flowers. Above the serpent, was a single flying bird.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, no.99, Pl. 17,1)

 

V.2.c Pompeii. May 2003. Room “b”.

Detail from Lararium on west wall of room behind the bar. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

 

V.2.c Pompeii but shown as V.2 Cenaculum on the photo. Pre-1937-39. Room “b”. Detail from lararium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 585.

See Not. Scavi, 1883, 425, 1884, 52.

See Bull. Inst, 1885, 251

 

Lararium painting in the south-west corner of the second room [“c”] behind the bar.

Also in this same house, according to Boyce, there was another faded lararium painting in the south-west corner of the second room [“c”] behind the bar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, no.100). 

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1885, p.252.

 

V.2.d Pompeii.

Painting on east wall of left ala.

 

V.2.d Pompeii. May 2005. Room “c” the ala on north side of atrium, with doorway to cubiculum “e”, on left.

The low zoccolo was yellow, the middle zone of the walls was painted with red and yellow panels edged with “carpet” borders and two parallel lines.

These panels were separated by narrow white compartments containing a painted twisted candelabra design.

The north wall of the ala contained a large blocked-up window, which originally would have opened onto the long corridor of the neighbouring house at V.2.e.

According to Boyce, there were two lararia in the house.

One on the east wall of the left ala of the atrium, within a panel (1.03m high, and 1.35m wide) was painted a single yellow serpent.

The serpent was moving left amidst plants towards an altar furnished with two eggs and a pine cone.

Above there may have originally been figures, but the plaster has now fallen.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, nos.101 and 102)

 

Niche with painting on upper north wall, no trace of painting remains.

 

V.2.d Pompeii but shown as V.2.15 on the photo. Pre-1937-39. Niche “n” on plan.

Looking towards vaulted niche lararium on upper north wall, in north-east corner of rear of house.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 596

According to Boyce, there were two lararia in the house.

One on the north wall of a rear room that occupied the place of the peristyle, high above the floor, was a large arched niche (0.8m high, 0.65m wide, 0.35m deep, 2.9m high above the floor) with a heavy projecting ledge beneath it.

Painted on the back wall of this niche, was a burning altar adorned with a garland and furnished with two eggs, and on each side of the altar was a palm branch, yellow with red ribbon attached.

The wall around the niche was covered with white stucco which below the niche was studded with red spots representing a dado, down as far as a row of holes, where a kind of mezzanine was attached, by means of which the niche was reached.

At a late date this structure was removed and Mau supposed that the niche was reached thereafter by a portable ladder.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, nos.101 and 102,)

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), 1885, p.256.

According to PPM, nothing remains of the painting other than a small amount of the base stucco.

According to Giacobello –

The painting is no longer conserved, the niche is in a bad state of conservation.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.294, no.P3)

 

V.2.f Pompeii.

Niche, west wall of atrium. (No photo).

 

V.2.f, Pompeii. May 2005. Entrance, looking east.

According to NdS, the atrium was devoid of an impluvium, but to the right of where one entered was a small hearth.

Above the hearth was a semi-circular niche and a short distance away, in the south-west corner of the atrium, was a latrine which would have been protected by a lean-to roof.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1896, (p.436).

See Mau in Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), VIII, 1893, (p.7-9)

According to Boyce, just to the right of the entrance against the west wall in the atrium stood a low masonry altar.

Traces of fire were seen on the top of the altar when it was first excavated.

Above the altar was an arched niche in the wall.

When Boyce wrote (1937) he said “the last layer of plain white stucco has fallen from the interior walls, revealing a finer layer beneath it”

This was white and decorated with red spots.

Not photographed yet, it may not be still there.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, 103)

According to Giacobello, the hearth was located near the niche in the south corner of the atrium.

On the same west wall, to the left of the Lararium is a second smaller niche, and also a trace of a third niche to the left again.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.164, no.37, with photo).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.268, L45).

 

V.2.g Pompeii.

Niche on pilaster on south-west side of entrance corridor, now lost.

 

 

V.2.g Pompeii. May 2005. Looking north across room ‘b’ the atrium, to entrance corridor ‘a’, in centre.

According to NdS, on the pilaster dividing the fauces (room ‘a’) from the cubiculum on the left of it (room ‘e’), facing south across the atrium, was a lararium niche covered in white plaster.  On the left side of the lararium was a doorway into a cubiculum, room ‘e’.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1896, (p.419)

 

According to Boyce, only the pilaster between the fauces and the room to the west had a decorated upper part.

In this pilaster, at a height of I.68m, was a niche for the household gods.

This was coated with white stucco and painted in the Third Style.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, no.104)

According to CTP, the niche at the south-west terminus of the fauces facing the atrium is now lost. (1982).

See Van der Poel, H. B., 1986. Corpus Topographicum Pompeianum, Part IIIA. Austin: University of Texas. (p.72)

 

East wall of garden, slab with phallus in relief in aedicula facade, painted red. (No photo).

 

V.2.g Pompeii. Looking south across garden area.

According to Boyce, a slab with a phallus in relief could be found high on the east garden wall (2.50m above the ground).

This was surrounded by an aedicula façade, and was all painted red.

He said that another similar slab could be found against the west wall of the small space preceding the north portico.

Above a masonry bench and embedded in the west wall was a slab of tufa surrounded by an aedicula façade.

This would have been 1.30m above the ground. In the centre of the tufa slab was another phallus in relief.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, no.105)

 

V.2.h Pompeii.

Painting and niche, east wall of vestibule.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2017.

Looking south along east wall of entrance corridor/fauces ‘a’, with niche and remains of painted decoration.

Foto Taylor Lauritsen, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2017.

North end of east wall of entrance corridor/fauces ‘a’, with remains of painted serpent on left side of niche.

Foto Taylor Lauritsen, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2017.

Looking north from south end of east wall of entrance corridor/fauces ‘a’, towards entrance doorway.

Foto Taylor Lauritsen, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. c.1930s. In the east wall of the entrance fauces ‘a’ an arched niche can be seen.

According to Boyce, this had a projecting floor and its walls were covered with white stucco.

It was outlined, inside and outside, with red stripes.

The wall beside the niche was painted with the serpents.

To the right of, and below the niche, was painted an unusual altar, resembling a brazier of bronze (see note below*).

Its upper surface was circular and had two handles at the sides.

One of the huge serpents had its body coiled around this altar and was raising its head to the offerings.

The second serpent was painted on the wall to the left of the niche and was raising its head to the niche rather than the altar.

The background was white and adorned with plants, across the top were painted garlands hanging from painted nails.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 36, no. 106, pl.10,1)

*Boyce added a note on p. 37 that said a similar brazier was found with the painting of the serpents in I.7.10-12.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.268, L47).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.231, no.F5)

 

Pseudo-aedicula lararium with painting, north wall of room (k).

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2017. Looking north to doorway from into walkway ‘k’, with lararium niche.

Foto Taylor Lauritsen, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

In the north-west corner of walkway ‘h’, on the north side of the garden, was a lararium niche and a column.

According to Boyce, in the garden was found a cylindrical altar of terracotta, around which a serpent coiled, its head raised above the top.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.36, note 1).

 

V.2.h Pompeii. December 2005. Lararium niche painting in north wall of area ‘k’. 

Hercules is wearing a lion skin, with a club in his left arm and a Skyphos in his right hand. 

To his left stands a small pig.  To his right is a round altar.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.269, L48, T:32).

According to Boyce, behind the tablinum is a narrow space preceding the garden.

In its north wall, to the right of the door, was an arched niche below which was a stucco-covered ledge.

The vaulted ceiling was decorated with crude stars in red and green.

The figure of Hercules is in the centre, beneath two garlands, one yellow, and one green.

On his right stands a painted altar of yellowish marble with a blazing fire on the top, with a laurel bush on either side.

On his left was a hog, which was raising its snout to the edge of the lion skin.

This lararium was found with its equipment complete

a bronze statuette of Mercury with traces of gilding

a terracotta statuette of Minerva,

a bronze statuette representing a kneeling woman extending both hands before her body with both palms turned upward.

Other minor objects were found

a terracotta votive head of a Bacchante

a small circular terracotta altar

a terracotta lamp

an amulet in the form of a dolphin

two coins

an as of Germanicus

a sestertius of Nero.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.37, no.108, Pl. 8,1)

Described by Giacobello as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.264, no.V30)

 

V.2.h Pompeii. Pre 1937-39. Lararium niche painting in north wall of area ‘k’. 

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive.

Warsher collection no. 962a.

 

Painting and niche, south wall of kitchen.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2023. Kitchen ‘p’, looking towards south wall with lararium. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. October 2023. Kitchen ‘p’, detail of lararium on south wall. Photo courtesy of Johannes Eber.

 

V.2.h Pompeii. c.1930s photograph by Tatiana Warscher. Lararium on south wall of kitchen ‘p’.

The square niche had its walls painted with white stucco outlined in red and decorated with red spots.

Painted on each side of the niche were the figures of the sacrificing scene, but the plaster on the left had fallen.

On the right could be seen the tibicen, the Lar, and beyond him, a boy leading a hog decorated with a red band.

Further to the right, there may have been a further serpent.

In the lower zone, two huge serpents rose more or less vertically on each side of a cylindrical altar, painted in red and yellow imitation marble.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.37, no.107, Pl.17,2).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.268, L46, taf. 30.2).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.165, no.38).

 

V.2.i Pompeii.

Painting, west wall of kitchen, no trace remains.

 

V.2.i Pompeii. December 2007. Room 11, looking towards west wall in kitchen. 

According to Mau above this bench or hearth were the remains of a painting of the 2 Lares. 

Near them a serpent was seen coiled around an altar, on which was a large pine cone.

See Mau, A., 1907, translated by Kelsey F. W. Pompeii: Its Life and Art. New York: Macmillan. (p.307).

Boyce also mentioned that a man was leading a reluctant hog.

He also said the lower zone was not well preserved and only a few traces of the foliage remained, through which the usual serpents must have glided.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.38, no.109).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.166, no.39)

 

Painting, room near north portico of garden area.

 

V.2.i Pompeii. March 2009. Room 26, looking west through doorway.

 

V.2.i Pompeii. March 2009. Room 26, lararium painting on west wall. 

Two serpents approaching a round altar painted in a marble pattern, with a fire and a pine cone on the top.

Above is a triple garland below which is a single bird in flight.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.38, no.110 and Pl. 28,2)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.269, L49).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.264, no.V31)

 

V.2.i Pompeii. 1930s photo by Tatiana Warscher. Room 26, lararium painting on west wall. 

Two serpents approaching a round altar painted in a marble pattern, with a fire and a pine cone on the top.

Above is a triple garland below which is a single bird in flight.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.38, no.110 and Pl. 28,2)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (L49).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.264, no.V31)

 

V.3 Pompeii. Casa con Giardino.

Two niches/recesses in west wall, room 7.

 

V.3 Pompeii. Casa del Giardino. October 2022.

Room 7, looking towards west wall with two niches/recesses. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

Square recess in lower west wall, room 8.

 

V.3 Pompeii. Casa del Giardino. October 2022.

Room 8, looking towards west wall with recess in lower wall. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

 

V.3.4 Pompeii.

Aedicula lararium in north-west corner of tablinum.

 

V.3.4 Pompeii. March 2009. North-west corner of tablinum, with lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.239, no.A13)

 

V.3.4 Pompeii. 25^th July 1902.

Watercolour by Luigi Bazzani. Looking towards lararium in north-west corner of tablinum and showing detail of painted ceiling.

Now in Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, inv. no. 2338.

See Carratelli, G. P., 2003. Pompei: La documentazione nell'Opera di disegnatori e pittori dei secoli XVIII e XIX. Roma: Istituto della enciclopedia italiana, p. 1023, fig. 1.

 

V.3.4 Pompeii. March 2009. Lararium. Blue painted arched niche with shell crowned top and modelled internal stucco cornice.

The lararium originally had a roof with pediment, the remains of which can be seen above the shell.

The pediment was supported by two columns, the marks of which can be seen on the top of the podium.

Around the outside curve of the niche was a stucco cornice with an egg pattern.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 38, 111, Pl 38,1).

 

V.3.4 Pompeii. March 2009. Podium base of lararium. The podium was covered in stucco painted to look like red marble with insets.

The insets were of red rectangles and yellow diamonds with a large green slab in the centre of the two free sides.

The slab on the south side was circular whilst that on the east was diamond shaped.

A stucco cornice in red, white and blue runs along the top of the base.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p. 38, 111, Pl 38,1).

 

V.3.4 Pompeii but numbered as V.2.4 on photo. Pre-1937-39. Looking north to lararium in tablinum.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 592.

 

V.3.6 Pompeii.

Arched niche on west wall of shop-room.

 

V.3.6 Pompeii. March 2009. Shop room, west wall and arched niche.

 

V.3.7 Pompeii.

Pseudo-aedicula lararium with painting, and second niche, on west wall of garden area.

 

V.3.7 Pompeii. March 2009. West wall of the garden area. Aedicula lararium, with second niche.

Giacobello describes this as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.266 no.V37)

According to Boyce – this was a large rectangular niche (h.1.18, not including the bases of the pilasters, w.1.75, d.0.32) reaching to the ground.

On the wall around it is an aedicula façade: two wide pilasters surmounted by projecting Corinthian capitals, upon which rest architrave and pediment. The pilasters are painted red and ornamented with a design in white stucco running up each side. The pediment, which extends far beyond the supporting pilasters on each side, is decorated with polychrome stucco cornices surrounding the blue tympanum. The interior of the niche was divided into above and lower compartments by a partition, the marks of which are visible of the side walls. On the back wall of the upper chamber (h.0.68), on a white ground, is painted a single serpent with red crest and beard………………. Upon the back wall of the lower compartment, upon a ground of solid red, is an aedicula façade done in white stucco relief, within which stands a painted figure of Ceres…………..

In the same wall, close beside this niche on the right, is a second rectangular niche (h.0.53, w.0.40, d.0.30, h. above the floor 0.80), having no aedicula façade but only a projecting slab for the ceiling and another for the floor.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.38, no.112, Pl.36.2).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.270, L50, taf.33,2).

For description by E. Gabrici, see Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1902, p.206, found December 1901.

 

V.3.7 Pompeii. March 2009. West wall of garden area. Lararium upper zone.

This has a painting of a serpent advancing left to a round altar which is painted in a variegated marble style.

In the background are plants and a double garland is across the top.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (112, p. 38, Pl 36, 2).

 

V.3.7 Pompeii. March 2009. West wall of garden area. Lararium lower zone.

The red plaster was painted with an aedicula façade within which stood the painted figure of Ceres.

She was wearing a crown of ears of grain and held a torch in her left hand and a sheaf of grain in her right.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (112, p. 38, Pl 36, 2).

 

V.3.7 Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. Looking towards west wall of the garden area with aedicule lararium and niche.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 1582.

 

V.3.8 Pompeii.

Niche on north wall of atrium/bakery area.

 

V.3.8 Pompeii. September 2019. Looking north across atrium bakery area.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

V.3.8 Pompeii but shown as V.3.7 on photo. Pre-1937-39. Looking north across atrium bakery area.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 256.

 

V.3.8 Pompeii. September 2019. Niche set into north wall of atrium bakery area.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

According to Boyce, the last coating of stucco had fallen away, revealing beneath it an earlier one.

This was a yellow rear wall decorated with red spots and solid red side walls.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.39, no.113)

See Not. Scavi, 1902, 208.

 

V.3.9 Pompeii.

Painting and niche, north wall of atrium.

 

V.3.9 Pompeii. March 2009. North side of atrium.

 

V.3.9 Pompeii. pre-1937-39. Lararium on north side of atrium, with 2 Lares dressed in short tunics.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 551

Under the niche can be seen the serpent. A small marble altar was found inside the niche.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.271, L51, taf.33,3)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni. (p.239).

 

V.3.9 Pompeii. 1903.

Household shrine/Lararium on north side of atrium, with niche, two painted Lares, altar and serpent.

Photo by Esther Boise Van Deman (c) American Academy in Rome. VD_Archive_Ph_216.

 

V.3.9 Pompeii. May 2005. Niche with remains of yellow and red painted stars.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.39, no.114, and Pl. 22, 3)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.271, L51, taf.33,3)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.239, no.A14)

 

V.3.9 Pompeii. March 2009. North wall of atrium under niche.     

Partially conserved remains of painted serpent and plants.

According to Boyce, the serpent was green with a yellow underside and a small red crest and beard.

The altar was painted on the left of the panel and was painted with an imitation of red and white marble.

On the top of the altar was an egg and fruit in the fire.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.39, no.114, and Pl. 22, 3)

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1902, p. 202.

 

V.3.10 Pompeii.

Rectangular niche on west side of atrium.

 

V.3.10 Pompeii. May 2005. Looking west across atrium to tablinum and pillar with a rectangular niche.

 

Painting on kitchen wall beside hearth, no longer conserved.

 

V.3.10 Pompeii. March 2009. Doorway to kitchen and latrine, on south side of atrium.

 

V.3.10 Pompeii. May 2005. Hearth against south wall in kitchen.

According to Boyce, a single serpent was painted on the wall beside the hearth.

No longer visible. He quoted Not. Scavi, 1902, 203 as his reference.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.39, no.115)

 

V.3.11 Pompeii.

Niche in south wall of tablinum, no trace remains. (No photo).

 

V.3.12 Pompeii.

Niche in back wall of exedra. (No photo).

According to Boyce –

“In the back wall of the exedra which opens off the south side of the peristyle is an arched niche (h.0.35, w.0.50, d.0.22, height above the floor uncertain), its floor projecting like a shelf, its inside walls white, decorated with faded figures in red and green.”

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14, (p.39, no.116).

 

V.3.13 Pompeii.

Niche and painted lararium on east wall.

 

V.3.13 Pompeii. 2018. Room 2a.

A sumptuous painted 4m x 5m lararium has re-emerged among the lapilli in a room which is still being excavated in Regio V at Pompeii.

This was a room used for worship, whose arrangement is still to be defined, given the unusual position of certain elements such as the basin bordered by a small garden, located at the centre of the room, and the mezzanine space which closes off one of the sides, and which is still entirely to be excavated.

Un sontuoso larario dipinto di circa 4m x 5m riaffiora tra i lapilli in un ambiente ancora in corso di scavo nella Regio V di Pompei.

Si trattava di una stanza adibita al culto, ancora tuttavia da definire nella disposizione degli spazi, considerata

la presenza insolita di alcuni elementi come la vasca bordata dal giardinetto, posta al centro dell'ambiente e

lo spazio soppalcato che chiude uno dei lati, ancora interamente da scavare.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

V.3.13 Pompeii. 2018. Room 2a. Lararium. East wall.

Sacred shrine with figures of the Lares painted on the sides and serpents below.

Parete est. L'edicola sacra con ai lati dipinte le figure dei "Lari, e, al di sotto, due grandi serpenti "agatodemoni".

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

V.4.1 Pompeii.

Altar against east wall of small garden area, with shallow niche. (No photo).

 

V.4.1 Pompeii. December 2007. Looking north across site of small garden on east side of atrium.

Nothing much remains.

According to Jashemski, this small garden area had a masonry planting bed at the base of the north, east and south walls.

The cistern puteal was near the south-west corner. Against the east wall was a podium.

There were remains of a garden painting above the plantings.

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas. (p.116)

According to Boyce, against the east wall stands a podium (0.90 by 0.60, h.0.55) – apparently an altar.

In the wall above it was a shallow niche (h.0.55, w.0.45, height above the floor 0.70.

The inside walls of the niche were originally covered with slabs of white marble.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.39, no.117).

See Not. Scavi, 1901, 256; Rom. Mitt., xvi, 1901, 313.

 

V.4.1 Pompeii. 1961. Looking north. The site of the small garden is on east side of atrium, on right.  Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

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V.4.3 Pompeii.

Pseudo-aedicula lararium, west wall of atrium.

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. March 2009. West wall of atrium.

Remains of aedicula lararium, mostly destroyed by the 16th of September 1943 bombing and not recoverable.

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. Lararium and painting on west wall of atrium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 1554.

 

Hercules with club and lion skin is in the centre.

Also recognisable on the left was Mercury and next to Mercury was a crowing cock.

From left to right were an omphalos with a snake, Victoria with spread wings, a pig, Hercules and Minerva sacrificing at an altar, with her shield and owl.

At the sides of the niche were paintings of the gods.

To the right of the niche was Fortuna but only the head with a small modius and the cornucopia against her left shoulder were visible.

To the left of the niche was Venus Pompeiana dressed in green, her left arm on the steering rudder and an olive branch in her right hand. Amor with a mirror stands to the left, on a base.

Outside the aedicula to the right is Jupiter seated on a throne with his head leaning on his left hand. A sceptre rests on his left shoulder and the thunderbolt is in his right hand.

On the left outside the aedicula is Bacchus with a thyrsus in his left hand and a kantharos in his right pouring wine into the mouth of the panther at his side.

In each of the two triangular panels above the pediment was painted an eagle in flight, holding a palm in its talons.

In the top right above Jupiter is a peacock perched on a garland.

On the aedicula pediment are various figures in stucco relief and a wreath (laurel?).

Above the gable peak is a stucco patera.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14.  (p.39, no.118, pl. 25,1).

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.271, L52, taf.33,1).

Giacobello describes it as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.240, no.A15).

 

Painting, east wall of kitchen, hardly any trace remains.

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. March 2009. Kitchen, looking east.

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. March 2009. East wall of kitchen. Site of lararium painting, which had three zones, now faded and destroyed.

See Fröhlich, T., 1991. Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (L53 on p.272).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.169, no.44)

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.40, 119b).

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. 1901 photograph of lararium painting on east wall of kitchen.

According to Boyce, the entire east wall beside the hearth was covered with the lararium painting.

The painting had three zones.

On the top zone only the lower part of the figures remained.

Around a tripod are three figures.

To the right is the genius, to the left the tibicen and the camillus.

On each side stands a Lar.

To the left a naked man leads a pig which he holds by tail and ear.

In the middle zone

a serpent advances right,

presumably to an altar that must have been over the hearth but was missing when excavated.

In the lower zone are kitchen utensils, and food items:

Two suspended sausages

An eel on a spit

A suspended grid iron

A pigs head

An indistinguishable object

Several hanging birds.

A cooking pot on a tripod.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (119b).

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. 1901 photograph of lararium painting on east wall of kitchen.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1901, p. 258-9, fig. 2.

 

V.4.3 Pompeii. March 2009. Hearth and east wall.

 

V.4.4 Pompeii.

Niche in north wall of shop-room.

 

V.4.4 Pompeii, doorway on right. May 2005. Looking towards entrance on north side of Via di Nola.

 

V.4.4 Pompeii. March 2009. Arched niche on north wall.

According to Boyce –

this small vaulted niche (h.0.35, w.0.30, d.0.20, height above the floor 1.05), was described in the Not. Scavi (1899, p.343) as “la nicchietta dei Penati”

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.40, no.120)

 

V.4.6/7 Pompeii.

Shallow arched niche in west wall.

 

V.4.6/7 Pompeii. May 2003.

Niche on west wall above opening of the cistern. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monteix.

According to Boyce, this large and shallow arched niche was described by Paribeni (Not. Scavi, 1902, 377) as il larario.

However, Boyce disagreed and thought it most unlike one.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (121; p.40) 

 

V.4.9 Pompeii.

Painting of Fortuna on south wall of room near the latrine, no longer visible.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. May 2017. Looking south from entrance into the room in the south-east corner of the atrium, across site of latrine.

In the centre of the photo can be seen the rear rooms of V.4.7.  Photo courtesy of Buzz Ferebee.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. March 2009. Looking south-east towards site of latrine.

According to Boyce, in the small room to the left of the entrance, on the south wall near the latrine, was a painting of Fortuna.

This is no longer visible.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.122)

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. 1899. Painting of Fortuna with rudder, from south wall near latrine.

According to Boyce, the painting had a wide black border on all of its sides.

Its dimensions including the wide black border surrounding it on all sides, h.0.55, w.0.44.

Fortuna was shown standing beneath a painted aedicula.

She was wearing a red chiton and green mantle, with a small modius on her head.

In her right hand was a rudder, in her left she held a cornucopia against her shoulder.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.122).

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1899, (p.346)

 

Niches, east wall of atrium, to the north of a door, near the hearth ?

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. March 2009. Kitchen on east side of atrium. Looking east.

According to Boyce, on the south-east corner of the impluvium was a square column (see remains on right of photo).

This column closed off part of the east side of the impluvium to provide a small area as a kitchen.

In the west side of this column, facing the impluvium was a niche with slightly arched ceiling and projecting floor.

Above and to the right of the niche was a yellow laurel wreath with pendent taeniae hung from a nail – all in stucco relief (see photo below).

Within the niche were found – an iron knife with bronze handle, an iron hammer, and a bronze rosette.

On the same side of the column, but higher, was another larger rectangular niche, probably for storage purposes.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.124, Pl.4,5)

Hardly anything remains of the column today, and neither niche.

 

In the north-east corner of the kitchen stood a small hearth and above it in the east wall was a high arched niche (see above photo, on the left).

Its walls were coated with white stucco.

On its floor stood a masonry block, apparently for use as an altar, behind it a step was built against the rear wall.

In the centre of the step was a mark left by an oval object, which had stood there, probably a statuette.

Another altar, terracotta and cylindrical, was found within the niche.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.125, Pl.4,5).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.170, no.45)

 

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. 1937 or earlier. Looking east to kitchen area on east side of atrium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 1584.

This photo was used by Boyce in his 1937 publication.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. Old photo by Pierre Gusman. Kitchen on east side of atrium.

The niches in the square column as described by Boyce, above, can be seen on the right of the photo.

Photo courtesy of Sandra Zanella and © Institut national d’histoire de l’art, Paris. See INHA.

Use of this photograph is subject to a CC4 (France) licence. See Creative Commons 4 (France)

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. March 2009. Niche on east wall of kitchen in atrium area.

In the north-east corner of the kitchen stood a small hearth and above it in the east wall was a high arched niche (see above photo, on the left).

Its walls were coated with white stucco.

On its floor stood a masonry block, apparently for use as an altar, behind it a step was built against the rear wall.

In the centre of the step was a mark left by an oval object, which had stood there, probably a statuette.

Another altar, terracotta and cylindrical, was found within the niche.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.125, Pl.4,5).

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.170, no.45).

 

Pseudo-aedicula lararium, north wall in north-west corner of atrium.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. Looking north-west across atrium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 1585.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. May 2017. Lararium niche on north wall of atrium. Photo courtesy of Buzz Ferebee.

 

V.4.9 Pompeii. 1937 or earlier. Niche with disproportionately large pediment on north side of atrium.

According to Boyce, this Lararium was on a special panel of rough white stucco and was adorned with an aedicula façade.

Beneath the niche was a heavy shelf with two columns resting on it, framing either side of the niche.

The interior of the niche was white and outlined with red stripes.

On the ceiling of the niche there were red and green star decorations.

Within the niche were found the following figures –

A bronze bust of Minerva, wearing the aegis and helmet.

She was leaning backwards in a strange manner upon a bronze plate fitted with a sort of handle at the back.

A roughly worked alabaster figure of Venus wearing a crown, beside her to the left stood a small figure clad in a long garment.

Venus seemed to hold her left hand around the smaller figure, while the latter placed her right hand upon the head of the goddess.

This group stood upon a marble-covered base behind the bust of Minerva.

A small standing male figure of ivory. Sogliano thought the figure was Venus; Mau thought it was definitely male.

Also found in the niche were two small rectangular terracotta altars and two terracotta plates.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41, no.123, Pl.7,1)

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1899, pp.103.

Described by Giacobello as a pseudo-aedicula lararium.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.241, no.A16)

 

V.4.13 Pompeii.

Painting, south wall of kitchen. (No photo).

 

V.4.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Entrance to kitchen and latrine.

According to Boyce, painted on the south wall of the kitchen, on a white background, were two yellow serpents.

They were near a very small cylindrical altar. In the zone above, one Lar was visible at the time of excavation.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.127)

According to Giacobello, the lararium was on the south wall, the hearth was located near to the east wall.

The kitchen might not be accessible because of vegetation.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.170, no.46)

According to Van der Poel’s plan, the latrine was in the north-east corner of the kitchen.

See Van der Poel, H. B., 1986. Corpus Topographicum Pompeianum, Part IIIA. Austin: University of Texas. (p. 79)

 

Lararium painting and painted niche, north wall and west wall of garden area in north-west corner.

 

V.4.13 Pompeii. March 2009. Lararium niche in north-west corner of garden.

According to Boyce, on the north side of the garden was a section coated with white stucco and marked off as a panel with broad red stripes.

In it was set a large arched niche.

The corners within the arch were outlined in red, as was the shape of the niche on the surrounding wall.

The rear wall was painted blue, studded with red and yellow spots and yellow stars with red centres.

On the ground before the niche stood a masonry altar covered in stucco.

The altar had a rectangular hollow in its upper surface. In this hollow, traces of burning were seen by the excavators.

Around the corner from this niche, on the west wall of the open area which preceded the garden on the north, was a broad sheet of white plaster.

On this plaster were painted two yellow serpents near a cylindrical altar with fruit, in the background were plants.

In the floor below this painting were the marks left by a square masonry altar.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.126, Pl. 11,2)

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.268 no.V39)

 

V.4.13 Pompeii, 1978.

Looking towards lararium niche in north-west corner of garden area, and west wall of garden area. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.  

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

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V.4.13 Pompeii but shown as V.4.12 on photo. Pre-1937.

Looking towards lararium niche in north-west corner of garden area, and masonry altar.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 557.

 

V.4.13 Pompeii. About 1937. Large irregular arched lararium niche in north-west corner of garden area, with masonry altar. It is set in a section coated with white stucco and marked off as a panel with broad red stripes.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.41-2, no.126, Pl. 11,2).

 

V.4.13 Pompeii but shown as V.14.12 on photo. Pre-1937-39. Two painted serpents on west wall.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 577.

According to Boyce –

Around the corner from this niche, on the west wall of the open area which preceded the garden on the north, was a broad sheet of white plaster.

On this plaster were painted two yellow serpents near a cylindrical altar with fruit, in the background were plants.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.126, Pl. 11,2).

 

V.4.a/11 Pompeii.

Painting and niche, west wall of kitchen.

 

V.4.a Pompeii. March 2018. Room ‘q’, looking towards west wall with niche.

Foto Annette Haug, ERC Grant 681269 DÉCOR.

 

V.4.a Pompeii but shown as V.4.10 on photo. Pre-1937-39.

According to Boyce, on the west wall of the kitchen entered from the north-west corner of the peristyle, was a fragmentary Lararium painting.

One figure of a Lar was preserved, as well as the Genius pouring a libation, a Camillus, and below one red and yellow serpent advancing to the right.

A second and smaller picture had been subsequently painted over the top of that one, but only one Lar remained of that one too.

On the south wall, to the left of the entrance, was painted a ham.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.128)

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 862.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.167, no.42)

 

V.4.b Pompeii.

Painting and niche, south portico of peristyle, east and north wall of the door of the kitchen.

 

V.4.b Pompeii. March 2009. Lararium found on the east wall of the atrium, near the kitchen door.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.129, Pl. 13,1)

 

V.4.b Pompeii. 1957.

Looking east from the atrium towards the kitchen doorway. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

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V.4.b Pompeii. 1931. Lararium found on the east wall of the atrium, near the kitchen door.

DAIR 31.2876. Photo © Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom, Arkiv.

A heavy shelf with a low raised area for a built-in altar projects from a niche with a slightly arched ceiling.

Within the niche was a crudely done lararium painting on a yellow background.

Above and to the sides hung garlands.

On the back wall of the niche the Genius pours a libation upon a cylindrical altar, on the opposite side of which stands the tibicen.

On the wall outside the niche is a Lar on each side, the one on the right holding rhyton and situla, that on the left rhyton and a cup like a skyphos.

On the left side wall of the niche, between the Lar on that side and the back wall of the niche, is the popa leading a hog.

Below the level of the niche on the left side, is Mercury with petasos, caduceus and purse; behind him, suspended, two crescent-shaped objects.

These three figures on the left side are painted on the column of the peristyle in the south-east corner of the garden.

Immediately below the niche a crested serpent (two serpents according to Sogliano in the Not. Scavi, one according to Mau in the Rom. Mitt.) glides to the left among plants.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.129, Pl 13,1)

See Fröhlich, T., 1991, Lararien und Fassadenbilder in den Vesuvstädten. Mainz: von Zabern. (p.272, L54, taf.34,3).

See Jashemski, W. F., 1993. The Gardens of Pompeii, Volume II: Appendices. New York: Caratzas, p. 117

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.168, no.43)

 

V.4.b Pompeii. 1902 painting of lararium by Luigi Bazzani.

This painting shows the lararium with Genius and tibicen, found on the east wall of the atrium, near the kitchen doorway.

Underneath the niche, to the left on the pillar, was a representation of Mercury.

The pillar was in the south-east corner of the garden portico.

 

V.4.b Pompeii. 1937-39. Detail of painted pillar and lararium from east wall of atrium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive.

Warsher collection no. 603b.

 

V.4.b Pompeii. Pre-1937-39. Painted pillar and lararium from east wall of atrium.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 603.

 

V.4.c Pompeii.

Niche with painting, north end of east wall of garden area.

 

V.4.c Pompeii. 1961. Looking towards east wall of garden K, with niche. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

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V.4.c Pompeii but shown as V.4.10 on photo, 1937 or earlier, by Tatiana Warscher. Niche lararium (e) in east wall of garden K.

Photo courtesy of American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive. Warsher collection no. 593.

According to Boyce, this niche was placed at the east end of the corridor leading from the atrium.

The arched niche had a heavy ledge projecting from the wall.

Upon this ledge was placed an ordinary roof tile, the raised edges of which, when covered with stucco would look like an altar.

The rear wall was painted blue or green, and painted with plants.

Boyce was not sure if this was a Lararium, but he thought as there was no other Lararium in the house, it may possibly have been one.

He said that Sogliano attached religious importance to a painting of Mercury found on the east wall of the atrium.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1905, p. 131.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.130, Pl. 3,1 - which is this photo by Warscher)

In a note on page 42, Boyce added that a collection of items were found, perhaps, gathered together for flight.

Included were a glazed terracotta statuette of Harpocrates and a small terracotta altar.

See Bullettino dell’Instituto di Corrispondenza Archeologica (DAIR), xvi, 1901, 364.

See Giacobello, F., 2008. Larari Pompeiani: Iconografia e culto dei Lari in ambito domestico. Milano: LED Edizioni, (p.267 no.V38)

 

V.4.c Pompeii. March 2009. Niche lararium (e), on east wall of the garden K.

 

V.4.c Pompeii. March 2009. Niche lararium (e), on east wall of the garden K.

According to Boyce, this niche was placed at the east end of the corridor leading from the atrium.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.130, Pl. 3,1).

 

V.5.4. Pompeii.

Niche in east wall, bricked up in antiquity.

 

V.5.4 Pompeii. March 2009. East wall of shop.

According to Boyce, in this wall there was originally a niche, referred to as a “nicchietta dei Penati” by the excavation report.

This had already been bricked-up in antiquity. Today, there is no visible sign of it.

See Notizie degli Scavi di Antichità, 1899, p. 357.

See Boyce G. K., 1937. Corpus of the Lararia of Pompeii. Rome: MAAR 14. (p.42, no.131).

 

V.6.11 Pompeii. (No photo).

Lararium with a marble shelf. Near the staircase in the atrium.

According to PAP –

“The atrium was equipped with a staircase of which the negative trace remains. Near the staircase, a lararium with a marble shelf is visible.”

 

V.6.11 Pompeii. House in the course of excavation.

Nel corso della nuova campagna [2023] inizia a profilarsi l’atrio (Fig. 8), della nuova abitazione. E sulla parete Nord, cioè quella che divide la casa da quella di Leda, si conservano nell’intonaco, privo di decorazione pittorica, il negativo di una scala e una nicchia con mensola di marmo.

In the course of the new campaign [2023] the atrium (Fig. 8) of the new house began to loom. And on the north wall, that is the one that divides the house from that of Leda, are preserved in the plaster, without pictorial decoration, the negative of a staircase and a niche with marble shelf.

See PAP e-journal 1 - 01/03/24, p. 7, fig. 8. https://pompeiisites.org/wp-content/uploads/01_E-Journal-Casa-di-Leda-1-1.pdf

 

V.6.13 Pompeii.

Room 42, niche in east wall.

According to PAP –

In the east wall of room 42, a niche was found with terracotta votive statuettes.

 

V.6.13 Pompeii. Amb. 42 (left) with niche in east wall with terracotta votive statuettes. Amb. 43 is on the right.

Amb. 42 (a sinistra) con nicchia nella parete est con statuette votive in terracotta. L'Amb. 43 si trova sulla destra.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

V.6.13 Pompeii. Amb. 42, votive statuettes at their discovery.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

V.6.13 Pompeii. Amb 42, collage of votive statuettes.

Photograph © Parco Archeologico di Pompei.

 

 

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