Archaeologists have discovered a fresco portraying a romantic encounter between an alluring woman and a swan in an ancient bedroom in Pompeii.
The watercolor scene has retained its vivid detail and color, surviving the burial under ash from the infamous Vesuvius eruption for nearly 2,000 years.
Experts suggest that the swan symbolizes the embodiment of the Roman god Zeus – Jupiter in Roman mythology – engaging in a romantic liaison with the mortal princess Leda.
The fresco ‘Leda e il cigno’ (Leda and the swan) was uncovered in the archaeological area in Pompeii. The fresco narrates a tale and artistic theme from Greek mythology, portraying Leda impregnated by Zeus – Jupiter in Roman mythology – in the form of a swan.
Archaeologists discovered a fresco portraying a sensual scene between a woman and a swan in an ancient Pompeii bedroom (pictured).
Pompeii archaeological park director Massimo Osanna shared insights into the legend of Leda and the swan with the Italian news agency ANSA. He explained that the depiction of a bird impregnating the mythical woman was a common theme in Pompeii interior design.
Osanna praised the fresco as exceptional, highlighting the mortal woman’s gaze directed at the observer. He remarked, “Leda watches the spectator with a sensuality that’s absolutely pronounced.”
The fresco was unearthed during ongoing efforts to stabilize the ancient city’s structures, prompted by collapses caused by rain and wear-and-tear in previous years. The once-thriving Roman city was buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, resulting in the destruction of Pompeii, Oplontis, and Stabiae under ashes and rock fragments, and the city of Herculaneum under a mudflow.
The fresco was discovered during ongoing efforts to stabilize the ancient city’s structures after rains and wear-and-tear in past years caused some ruins to collapse.
Every resident perished instantly when the southern Italian town was struck by a 500°C pyroclastic hot surge from Europe’s only active volcano.
The excavation of Pompeii, the industrial hub of the region, and Herculaneum, a small beach resort, has provided unparalleled insight into Roman life. Archaeologists are continually uncovering more from the ash-covered city.
In May, archaeologists uncovered an alleyway of grand houses, with balconies left mostly intact and still in their original hues.
The discovery of the fresco provides yet more insight into how the residents of the doomed city lived.
The flourishing ancient Roman city was buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii, Oplontis, and Stabiae under ashes and rock fragments, and the city of Herculaneum under a mudflow.
The excavation of Pompeii, the industrial hub of the region, and Herculaneum, a small beach resort, has provided unparalleled insight into Roman life. The discovery of the fresco further enhances our understanding of how the residents of the doomed city lived.