Gods and Goddesses in the Garden: Roman Mythology and the Iconography of Flowers
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Private gardens were central in elite Pompeian houses. Although scholars have recognized the importance of gardens and cult activity to Pompeian domesticity separately, they have overlooked the reflexive relationship between these two institutions. Through a combination of Classical texts and modern floral morphologies, I identify flowers painted in Pompeian gardens and their significance to certain deities. The flowers painted on garden walls in Pompeii are not simply decorations, but invocations of gods and goddesses important to domestic worship.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Jared Benton
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture
Session Title
Art History 2
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library Conference Room 1306
Start Date
2-2-2019 10:15 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 11:15 AM
Gods and Goddesses in the Garden: Roman Mythology and the Iconography of Flowers
Learning Commons @ Perry Library Conference Room 1306
Private gardens were central in elite Pompeian houses. Although scholars have recognized the importance of gardens and cult activity to Pompeian domesticity separately, they have overlooked the reflexive relationship between these two institutions. Through a combination of Classical texts and modern floral morphologies, I identify flowers painted in Pompeian gardens and their significance to certain deities. The flowers painted on garden walls in Pompeii are not simply decorations, but invocations of gods and goddesses important to domestic worship.