Wall Painting Fragment with a Gorgoneion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, March 2018

Wall painting fragment with Gorgon mask

Period:Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian

Date:ca. A.D. 14–68

Culture:Roman

Medium:Fresco

Dimensions:L. 8 in (20.3 cm)

Classification:Miscellaneous-Paintings

Credit Line:Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1892

Accession Number:92.11.8

This fragment with its rich and ornate design, comprising a Gorgon mask, a gold-colored vase, and a bird with outspread wings, is similar to other frescoes found in houses and villas in and around Pompeii. It also reveals some of the technical features of Roman wall painting, for the details were added a secco (on dry plaster) on top of the white fresco background.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/245838