Riflessioni sul quadro della Venere in Conchiglia di Pompei: dal mito al lavoro dei pictores

The Domus is named from the painting representing Venus lying in her shell and accompanied by Cupids in the waves. The representation relates to the famous myth of the goddess’ birth and to her role of patroness of sailors, beside the function as goddess of love and beauty. Furthermore, the side friezes with garden scenes refer to her aspect as goddess of nature and fertility. The analysis of the fresco allowed the author to recognize several features of the painting technique.