Archaeologists have discovered a fresco of a passionate moment between a lady and a swan in a bedroom from ancient Pompeii. Despite being covered by ash from the dramatic Vesuvius eruption for for 2,000 years, the watercolour picture has maintained its stunning detail and colour.
The fresco of “Leda e il cigno” (Leda and the swan) was found in the archaeological region of Pompeii. Taking in the appearance of a swan, Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology) impregnates Leda in this Greek mythology fresco.
According to analysts, the Swan represents Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology), the deity who impregnates the human princess Leda. Director of Pompeii’s archaeological site Massimo Osanna gave an interview to the Italian news agency ANSA, where he discussed the myth of Leda and the swan.
He says the scene of the bird impregnating the mythical woman was a common theme in Pompeii interior design. Mr Osanna went on to praise the fresco as exceptional due to the appearance of the mortal woman looking at whoever’s gazing at the fresco.
He said: ‘Leda watches the spectator with a sensuality that’s absolutely pronounced.’ The fresco was discovered during ongoing work to consolidate the ancient city’s structures after rains and wear-and-tear in past years caused some ruins to collapse.
The flourishing ancient Roman city was buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
The fresco was discovered during ongoing work to consolidate the ancient city’s structures after rains and wear-and-tear in past years caused some ruins to collapse Vesuvius destroyed Pompeii, Oplontis, and Stabiae under ashes and rock fragments, and the city of Herculaneum under a mudflow.
Every single resident died instantly when the southern Italian town was hit 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 given unparalleled insight into Roman life. Archaeologists are continually uncovering more from the ash-covered city.
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.
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 live.