The erotic work is not an uncommon find, but this particular depiction of the Greek myth “Leda and the Swan” has unique elements to it.
Cesare Abbate / Pompeii SitesLena and the swan fresco that was discovered in the downfall of Pompeii .
An Ancient popish titillating fresco picture has just been discover by archeologists at a dig site in Pompeii .
The sensational work of art depicts the Greek myth of “ Leda and the Swan ” — a myth that ’s reportedly been a germ of inspiration for artist for centuries .
Cesare Abbate/Pompeii SitesLena and the swan fresco that was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii.
consort toIFL Science , it was found in an ancient Pompeii bedroom that was presumably destroyed take after the deadly bang of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 age ago .
The fresco was uncover as a part of a restoration project taking place in the ancient upscale neighborhood of Via del Vesuvius . Other erotic paintings of this nature have been found at the site , so this discovery is n’t out - of - the - ordinary .
What is remarkable is how well preserved the fresco painting is and the arresting colors that it retained sinceMount Vesuvius ’ eruptionin 79 AD .
Cesare Abbate/Pompeii SitesA close-up of the fresco.
Italian tidings agencyANSAreports that the bedroom ’s owner was likely a “ rich merchant , possibly a former slave who was anxious to elevate his social status through denotation to high - story ethnic myth . ”
The myth goes as follows : Zeus lessen into the arms ofLeda , Queen ofSparta , seeking protection from an eagle . In the tale , Zeus appears in swan form for whatever reason , which explains why the most important mythological God was getting chased by an eagle .
After the eagle cleared away , swan - Zeus make Leda , even though she was married to Spartan King Tyndareus and had slept with him that same dark . She wound up laying two egg as a result of both intimate encounters .
Leda gave birth to four child total — two belonging to Zeus and the other two belong to to Tyndareus . Zeus ’ two children would become Helen of Troy and Pollux . The other two tyke were Clytemnestra , who would go on to famously mangle Agamemnon , and Castor .
However common this tale and the depiction of swan - Zeus impregnating Lena was on Ancient Roman culture , the depiction come upon in Pompeii is middling unique .
Cesare Abbate / Pompeii SitesA close - up of the fresco .
Common depictions show Lena standing , and not sit down as she does here , the duo does n’t appear to be caught in the routine as they usually are , and Lena is likely painted in such a way that it count like she ’s look at the fresco ’s viewer as they enter the bedchamber .
Pompeii archaeological park music director Massimo Osanna hash out the singularity of this fresco painting in anofficial video recording : “ This painting , compared with others of Pompeii in the R.C. domain , is characterized by a pronounced sensualism . It ’s presenting Leda welcome the swan into her overlap . ”
official are currently debating whether or not they should take the already discoveredfrescosto a different website for public screening .
Next , take a looking at these picture of preserved consistency that show thelast agonizing moments before Mount Vesuvius eruptedcenturies ago . Then , assure out this story about anelaborate shrine that was fall upon at Pompeii .
