Pompeii - Villa of the Mysteries

Pompeii - Villa of the Mysteries

Topic of Research

The main topic of discussion in this paper is the Villa of the Mysteries which is basically a ruined Roman villa located 400 meters to the northwest of Pompeii in southern Italy. In spite of being covered with tons of volcanic ash for thousands of years, the state of the villa is quite remarkable, sustaining minor damages in the wake of the cataclysmic eruption of volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD. Most of the walls and ceilings of the villa survived the devastating volcanic event. Located at the front right section of the villa is an 'initiation' chamber measuring 15 feet by 25 feet. It is decorated with bizarre fresco paintings that depict a ritual. The frescoes have survived the eruption almost undamaged have become an object of fancy and admiration among art critics. According to common interpretation, the fresco paintings depict scenes of a religious ritual. While being the object of admiration and fancy among art critics, these works of art have also been the subject of widespread discussions and debate because of their obscure and enigmatic nature.

Research Question

What is depicted in the fresco paintings that are present in the initiation of the Villa of the Mysteries?

Aim of the Research

This paper aims to conduct research on the frescoes present in the 'initiation chamber' of Villa of the Mysteries.

Methodology

This research will largely be qualitative in nature since the methodology will use secondary research. With this approach, previously conducted research on the subject will be analyzed after which relevant material will be gathered and analyzed. The researcher will then determine the meaning of the fresco paintings.

Key sources

The key sources used for this research include the following:

Triumph of the Dissolution of Reality by Illusion: The Spiritual Experience of Trompe L'Oeil Architectural Wall Paintings—The Tomb of the Leopards and the Villa of the Mysteries

A Roman bridal drama at the Villa of the Mysteries

Ignorance and Search in the Villa of the Mysteries

Women's Dionysian Initiation: The Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii

Concerning the Rites of Psychoanalysis, Or, The Villa of the Mysteries

The Roman house and social identity

Anticipated Research Outcomes

With the conclusions of the research, I anticipate that I will have a deeper understanding of the initiation chamber as well as the meaning of the fresco paintings.

Works Cited

Fierz-David, Linda, and Gladys Phelan. Women's Dionysian Initiation: The Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii. Spring, 1988.

Lehmann, Karl. "Ignorance and Search ...