Fresco of Neptune and Amymone
This fresco from the west wall of the triclinium of the villa rustica known as the Villa Carmiano is interpreted as Neptune seducing the daughter of Danaus, Amymone. He holds her in an embrace as they ride on a sea horse (hippocampus) pulled by tritons. A tiny Cupid holds Neptune’s trident as he rides a dolphin, a winking nod to the viewer that this is a scene of love and sex. The painting is set in between two sets of architectural fantasies. This scene is also sometimes interpreted as Neptune abducting a nereid.
1st century CE, Villa Carmiano, ancient Stabiae (modern Stabia)
Archaeological Museum of Stabia Libero d’Orsi
Fresco of Neptune and Amymone
This fresco from the west wall of the triclinium of the villa rustica known as the Villa Carmiano is interpreted as Neptune seducing the daughter of Danaus, Amymone. He holds her in an embrace as they ride on a sea horse (hippocampus) pulled by tritons. A tiny Cupid holds Neptune’s trident as he rides a dolphin, a winking nod to the viewer that this is a scene of love and sex. The painting is set in between two sets of architectural fantasies. This scene is also sometimes interpreted as Neptune abducting a nereid.
1st century CE, Villa Carmiano, ancient Stabiae (modern Stabia)
Archaeological Museum of Stabia Libero d’Orsi