Pompeii, House of the Vettii, Genius Loci Mosaic

Pompeii, House of the Vettii, Genius Loci Mosaic

In classical Roman religion, a genius loci (plural genii loci) was the protective spirit of a place. It was often depicted in religious iconography as a figure holding attributes such as a cornucopia, patera (libation bowl) or snake. In Pompeii one of the most famous of the luxurious residences (domus) is the House of the Vettii, preserved like the rest of the Roman city by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Household lararium in service area. Painting of serpent, (Agathodemone), garlands and three figures. The household gods (Lares) are either side of the guardian spirit (genius loci) of the house. In the center stands the Genius, young and unbearded. On each side of him stands a wreathed Lar, holding rhyton and situla. The lower end of each rhyton has the form of a fore-part of a goat. In the lower zone of the same panel a crested and bearded serpent with brown back and yellow belly glides through plants towards the altar. This painted square altar is shown at the right edge of the panel. On the altar are an egg and some fruits. Across the top of the panel are three garlands.

History: Ancient

Album / NYPL/Science Source

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4050 x 3487 px | 40.4 MB

34.3 x 29.5 cm | 13.5 x 11.6 in (300 dpi)