Fresco of Alcestis and Admetus, Augusteum, Herculaneum
The grieving Admetus, sitting next to his wife, Alcestis, after hearing the prophesy of his death, delivered by his friend, Apollo (top). Alcestis takes Admetus’ place in death, but in at least one telling of the myth, she is returned from the underworld after Hercules successfully wrestles Thanatos - god of death - on her behalf.
From the Augusteum in Herculaneum
ca. 45-79 CE
Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Napoli (inv. 9027)
Fresco of Alcestis and Admetus, Augusteum, Herculaneum
The grieving Admetus, sitting next to his wife, Alcestis, after hearing the prophesy of his death, delivered by his friend, Apollo (top). Alcestis takes Admetus’ place in death, but in at least one telling of the myth, she is returned from the underworld after Hercules successfully wrestles Thanatos - god of death - on her behalf.
From the Augusteum in Herculaneum
ca. 45-79 CE
Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Napoli (inv. 9027)