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.

Presenting Author Name/s

Sarah Bulger

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

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Feb 2nd, 10:15 AM Feb 2nd, 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.