Ancient Rome - Pompeii- Villa of the Mysteries Initiation Scene Six - 12x12" Canvas Wall shops Art

This amazing Ancient Roman scene is an image shops of authentic painted wall art from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, from the 1st Century AD.

It depicts the Seventh Scene of the initiation of a woman into the Dionysian Mysteries, also called the Mysteries of Bacchus. Bacchus, a god of sensuality, pleasure and spirituality was popular with Roman women as well as men.

The two themes of this scene are catharsis and transfiguration, the evocative climax of the rite. Notice the complete abandonment to pain and emotion on the face of our initiate - and the lash across her back. She is consoled by a woman identified as a nurse. To the right a nude women clashes celebratory cymbals and another woman is about to give to return to the initiate the thyrsus staff which she had won, symbolizing the successful completion of the rite.


This ancient fresco is one of the best preserved ancient paintings from the Roman world. The colors are amazingly lively as the Villa of the Mysteries was covered with ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving the paintings.

This 12x18" canvas makes a wonderful gift for the historian (or the initiate!) in your life!