THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP049
House of the Ephebus (I. vii. 10-12))
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Mosaic, Niche, Nymphaeum; Stucco relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP046, PP047, PP048
Room function:
Triclinium/Dining Room
Description:
Located at the southern end of an outdoor triclinium space was an aedicula-styled nymphaeum. The interior consisted of a central arched niche with a shell-shaped stucco relief on a light blue painted ceiling. Stucco moulding ran around the interior of the niche, bordered by thin red lines. Little decoration survives on the exterior; however, it can be seen that the pediment, entablature, and tympanum were painted red while the front columns were blue. On the walls around the nymphaeum was a painted hunt scene depicting a bear chasing a bull. A statue holding a shell full of fruit was found within the niche, depicting either a nymph, Venus, or Pomona (according to Jashemski). Water flowed down four marble steps into a small pool below.
References:
Jashemski 1979, pp. 50, 92-94; Esposito 2021, p. 59.
Image reference:
Durand 2018 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)