Masks

The wall paintings of Pompeii became highly coveted in 18th century Europe. After their discovery the Bourbon aristocracy dug dozens of tunnels through the ash to rip the paintings from those ancient walls. Ironically, these paintings were not Pompeii's high art. They might be better understood as the equivalent of wallpaper for the wealthy.

[Painted faces of a man and women. 3/4 perspective.]


Copyright © 1995
Return to the Tour Map

Return to the Tour List