Medea plotting the murder of their children
Fresco from Pompeii (VI. 9. 6).
62—79 CE.
127 × 104 cm. Inv. No. 8977.Naples, National Archaeological Museum, Hall LXXIIPhoto by Luigi Spina

Medea plotting the murder of their children.

Fresco from Pompeii (VI. 9. 6).
62—79 CE.
127 × 104 cm.
Inv. No. 8977.

Naples, National Archaeological Museum, Hall LXXII
(Napoli, Museo archeologico nazionale, Sala LXXII).

Pompeii, Archaeological Park, House of Castor and Pollux (VI, 9, 6, room 6).
Origin:
Pompeii, VI. 9. 6, House of Castor and Pollux, room 6, on the north pilaster at the east end of peristyle, 18th June 1828.
Description:

Medea, from Pompeii, House of the Dioscuri (VI, 9, 6)

inv. 8977

This picture shows Medea on the right, standing in front of the house of Jason in Corinth, as she prepares to draw her sword to despatch the two children she bore to the hero. They are playing somewhat despondently, as if sensing their imminent death, and a tutor, who also seems to be waiting for something, is seen at the door. The lines of the composition draw the viewer’s gaze to the eyes and fixed stare of Medea which are emphasised, in a touch worthy of Scopas, by the intensifying of the shadows. This Medea is less arresting but more complete in its overall composition and rich colouring than the other well-known replica from Herculaneum (inv. 8976). Both probably derive from a famous painting by Thymomacus of Byzantium from the beginning of the third century B. C.

Credits:
Google Cultural Institute.
© Photo: Luigi Spina.
2019. Add. information: http://pompeiiinpictures.com.
© 1996. Description: Stefano De Caro. The National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Soprintendenza Archeologica di Napoli e Caserta. Electa, Napoli, 2001. P. 177.
THE GALLERY OF ANCIENT ART
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History of Ancient Rome