Special Exhibition Review: In Stabiano

Currently touring art museums in the U.S., In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite is a wonderful immersion in how the "other half" lived under Imperial Roman rule. The exhibition is designed to approximate the layout of a typical seaside villa, replete with the art and artifacts that so impressed visitors who viewed them (hopefully while pea-green with envy) in their original settings.

Gail S. Myhre caught up with In Stabiano during its stay at the Michael C. Carlos Museum (a gem!) in Atlanta, Georgia. She toured this shortly after undergoing knee surgery, which should give us all a big clue as to just how passionate she is about Roman frescoes. In fact, Gail could barely contain her glee over the wealth of art historic material available in even the smallest fragments on display. Third Style frescoes have never before seemed so tantalizingly juicy, but she's made a believer out of me with her enthusiasm. (And don't get me started on Bacchus! Only a god could ride a goat with style and aplomb ...) To get a full run-down on artistic stylings in Roman mythology and symbolism - along with a thorough, virtual walk-through of the exhibition - and possibly pick up some decorating ideas for your next multi-million dollar vacation retreat, give Gail's review a read. Thanks, Gail.

Related Reading:

• Tree of Paradise: Jewish Mosaics from the Roman Empire

Image credit:

The Cupid Vendor
Roman, Imperial, Mid-First Century A.D.
Fresco
Third Style
22.5 x 28.5 cm
Castellammare di Stabia, Varano hill,
Villa Arianna, Cubicle (W25)
Photograph provided by Restoring Ancient Stabiae Foundation