In English: Artistic analysis of a Pompeian painting (Scene Situated in the House of the Pygmies) of a Pompeian painting (scene situated in the House of Pygmies)

Overview of fresco

This scene is represented in the House called Pygmies of Pompeii, and was fresco on one wall of the room 8 thereof. Although there other paintings on various subjects were discovered, as representing a cupid or a couple of painters, this scene has been the most important, due to its considerable size and His industry. Therefore, this area of ​​the Roman insula in question has adopted the name House of Pygmies. The representation of scenes where the protagonists are pygmies became a common theme not only to Pompeii, but the entire Roman Empire. The Pygmies were regarded as the native inhabitants of Egypt, and were often figured as human creatures affected by dwarfism, black leather and dark curly hair, which were arranged in a river (the Nile) to hunt hippos, cranes and crocodiles as well to collect reeds and other plants in the thick fluvial flora. So, they are included within those hunter-gatherer tribes coming from distant lands whose existence was due to survival in the middle. Something totally out of such an organized and grandiose as the Roman civilization, which however was admired and widely used in pictorial representations and musivarias as an example of savage peoples and life in nature.

Thus, one can observe a landscape from afar, from a viewpoint slightly choppy, standing vertically, being taller than wide scene. Cool shades of faded increasingly due to the passage of centuries, and the consequences this has to use a water-based technique. Other than that, the elements located in the background is significantly more volatile, as covered by a haze, those placed in the foreground, brighter. On the other hand, the painter decided to use a shader that brings great realism to the scene, and that is evident in every painting.

                                                             Background

Despite the dominance of the line on the color, it seems that the author has chosen to define less precisely those figures that are placed in the background, ie, those at the top standing '' further '' the observer.

Crocodile being tempted by a native

This is the case of many elements represented. From left to right an alligator rising from the river to a promontory of land where a pygmy lies relatively close to the water that is enticing the animal to drag it to the surface and then hunt is shown.

Pygmies performing some activity

Continuing along the same direction another couple of natives who perform an activity together appears, but is unknown because they are located too far and lost too cool color over time.

Native fishing on a boat in the Egyptian style

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the mound, and in the river, there are cranes that fly, and on the far right a boat Egyptian style with two characters who are inclined to fish appears.

Flora of the Nile

At the bottom of this blurred background a plant but very own thick of the Nile is represented. With the atmosphere generated by the technique used can imagine moisture and heat of the place.

Foreground

Hippo and ducks

In the foreground are elements with a sharper picture, which help to appreciate and differentiate well the boundaries between some figures and others. There is also a use of brighter colors. On the left side, starting again from there, an exalted hippo opens its mouth and slightly raises its front legs in a threatening manner; all this making a slight foreshortening. It is surrounded by river vegetation, such as leaning on a higher part of the river bed, for example, pairs of ducks surrounding symmetrically swimming through the water. The ducks are above the west, while those below are to the east, creating a contradiction of the senses that brings the whole dynamism, including granting the frightened hippo.

Main pygmy

Pygmy advancing toward the giant pitcher

Clockwise and abundant land, ocher hue, like desert sand shown. A pygmy, which highlights its strong brown skin, almost black, and its abundant curly hair and body disproportion progresses eastward, advancing and supporting his right leg on the floor and lifting and turning left at the same gesture running. Their clothing, consisting simply of a beige loincloth is also perceived; the natural color of the fabric empleado.Presenta all standard features of the representation of this ethnic group (dwarfism, black, primitive attire, etc.) Man carrying two buckets of water to hold the ends of a stick of wood bends in the middle due to the weight. A pitcher of large and rounded, a brownish-reddish hue, appears at the leftmost end, and is where the pygmy is directed to pour water it carries. After the mouth of a palm larger container having the extremely narrow bottom trunk stands. The curved shape of the stem to climb gives a sinuous appearance to the plant.

Bridge that connects to the mainland

Furthermore, at the bottom where it is located a bridge pygmy covered by a flat roof and pillar shown holding it. This bridge connects the area of land by walking the native with another zone arranged in the lowest place of work. It is also a land of ocher hue, but mixed with the gray color of the water, which gives the appearance of quicksand.

Fantastic architecture

Greek-inspired architecture, which resembles a temple

Behind the pygmy an architecture that can not be framed in style figure; looks fantastic. Appears symbolized a building gable pediment which is topped by a golden pitcher, for acroterion. It is similar to a Greek temple construction, because a portico with several columns is observed (but can not be counted accurately), an entablature and pediment already cited. By his side is open in the portion corresponding to the pronaos.

Obelisk

Thus, a kind of obelisk topped by a rectangular element is also shown, and right behind him a crocodile yellow that is in the river, swimming westward appears. The obelisk is to the left of the naos of the temple, next to the shore.

Indoor architecture

In front of the obelisk and the temple is a crouched and rectangular structure that is protected by a red tent in a similar water vessel tone. Canvas, in turn, stands holding onto the side of the temple (left, front view architecture). In addition, underneath further elevates an already dead giant tree.

Buildings in the background

In the background of those buildings appear more blurred and camouflaged with the river, which are like two towers or pylons adorned with battlements, which are connected by a suspension bridge. Among them, after the middle of the bridge, a golden tower topped by a large molding which in turn is adorned by a cupulino it stands. It's seen quite faded compared to the towers. Behind these two elements there is a hut, to which he can recognize well with its thatched roof, which retains its bright yellow hue. Finally, under the bridge Pendant Two Pygmies are located making the gesture of collecting reeds together.