Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii Exhibition

It’s possibly the hottest thing to hit Pompeii since the eruption of Mt Vesuvius covered the city in flaming ash and lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone) back in AD 79. The exhibition, entitled Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii, comprises 70 provocative paintings, sculptures, and other decorative erotica found at the vast 66-hectare archaeological site, on display together for the first time.

Exhibition Highlights

Running until January 2023, this remarkable exhibition includes racy treasures such as paintings taken from Pompeii’s lupanar (brothel), illustrating the sexual acts customers could choose from. Additionally, a restored bedroom ceiling fresco features a naked Leda, the Queen of Sparta, with a swan upon her lap, representing the god Zeus.

Recent Discoveries and Historical Context

Many erotic finds have either been discovered during recent excavation works or were historically stored away in Naples. King Charles VII, the Neapolitan monarch who funded the excavation of Pompeii, ensured only individuals of proven moral standing could view these items.

Artistic Significance

Guests can marvel at the significant sculptured penis of the god Priape, found on a statue-fountain at the exhibition entrance. According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, this artwork was not intended for modern amusement; rather, it served as a Roman symbol of fertility and was commonly found in atriums (private courtyards).

Zuchtriegel emphasized, “In these times of pandemic emergency and war, this exhibition seeks to be an ode to the resilience of beauty,” providing a historical perspective that illustrates how art and imagination were intricately woven into social, cultural, and political relationships and hierarchies.

Intriguing Artifacts

Among the more interesting items are two medallions found on a four-wheeled Roman chariot, utilized by religious women, recently discovered on site. Both are adorned with depictions of satyrs and nymphs and are accompanied by an erotically embellished wooden chest in bronze.

Visitor Experience

The exhibition takes place in the western portico of the Large Palaestra, guiding visitors through a quintessential Pompeian home and highlighting where sensual beauty was showcased. Intimate and erotic imagery from the cubicula (bedrooms) of the Villa of Carmiano, as well as a cycle of faded images depicting sexual acts, were likely utilized to introduce viewers to Greek erotic literature.

Also present is a lampadophore (candleholder), representative of Greek homoerotic themes, showcasing the intersection of beauty and social practices in ancient Rome.

The My Pompeii app has also launched a new section, allowing visitors to find frescoes and other erotic artworks throughout the expansive site covering more than 1500 well-preserved structures, roads, everyday objects, and even human figures.

Engaging Young Visitors

In recognition of the exhibition’s content, children visiting the exhibition can benefit from a guide entitled The Centaurs of Pompeii, designed to explain the subject matter in an accessible manner. This narrative follows a centaur named Mares as he searches for a partner, enhancing children’s understanding of ancient mythology, including figures like Ariadne, Dionysus, and Narcissus.

Entry to Art and Sensuality in the Houses of Pompeii is included in the admission fee, with prices starting from €16 ($US17) per adult.