Domus of Livia on the Palatine

Domus of Livia on the Palatine

Four magnificent frescoes adorn the walls of the dining room in the ancient Roman mansion Domus built around the 1st century BC. A central atrium stands in the heart of the house. The frescoes in the Second Style of Pompeii are remarkably well-preserved and beautiful including a black and white geometric mosaic floor. The House of Livia was first discovered during excavations in 1839 and identified as belonging to Livia after the discovery of a lead pipe labeled “IVLIA AVGVSTA” These paintings were intended to serve as a passageway leading to an inner courtyard with three rooms. These illusionary paintings filled with exotic birds reveal

A painted garden mural from the triclinium of the Villa of Livia in Prima Porta now on display at the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme the Roman National Museum.

The House of Livia is one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites remaining. A passageway paved with white mosaic tiles on a black background leads to an inner courtyard with three rooms decorated with stunning Second Style frescoes the most popular style of wall art in ancient Rome. Traces of human activity are still visible a perfect blend of diverse Greek and Roman art.

A fresco in the Second Pompeian style from the House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill in Rome Italy created in the 1st century BC.

The legend of Polyphemus and Galatea: a tale of unrequited love. Extending above the architecture are imaginative landscape motifs including images of winged sphinxes. The landscapes are painted onto the architecture in a mix of fairy tale and theatrical styles. The walls are adorned with tassels and fruit garlands surrounded by columns and similar architectural elements. Of course to entertain visitors creative perspectives emerge in the spaces between the columns with a central image depicting an ancient painting.