Echoes of Pompeii: Ancient Rome Inspiring my oil painting

Today, I’ll be exploring the art of Pompeii — a city frozen in time — and how its frescoes continue to inspire my own paintings. The rediscovery of Pompeii not only revealed the daily life of ancient Romans, but also their remarkable visual culture, full of color, imagination, and emotion.

Using the red background inspired by Pompeii's frescos

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, Pompeii was covered in layers of ash, preserving buildings, objects, and artworks. This accidental preservation gave us a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman life — and an extraordinary collection of ancient wall paintings.

"House of the faun" - Pompeii 180 BCE

Pompeian frescoes were made by painting onto freshly applied plaster — so the pigments became part of the wall itself. This technique allowed the colors to remain vibrant for centuries. They reveal not only technical skill, but also the tastes, values, and fantasies of ancient Roman society.

"Venus in a shell" - House of Venus Pompeii 1st century Ad

Art historians divide Pompeian wall painting into four main styles. The early ones imitated marble and architecture, while later styles became more decorative and imaginative — layering mythological scenes, landscapes, and abstract patterns.

The frescoes reflect both everyday life and dreams. Scenes of gardens, banquets, or mythological figures decorated private homes, blurring the line between reality and imagination. I’m particularly drawn to the use of color and symbolism — a blend of intimacy and grandeur.

One of the most stunning examples is the Villa of the Mysteries. The life-sized figures, dynamic poses, and deep red backgrounds create a sense of drama and emotion that still feels modern. This piece deeply influences how I approach narrative and composition in my own work.

In my oil painting, I draw from the Pompeian reds, ochres, and blacks. I also try to echo the layered, weathered textures of ancient walls. My goal isn’t to copy the frescoes, but to capture their spirit — how they turn everyday spaces into living art.

"The musicians and Eros in immersive encounter with the music, while one girl looks to you."

Pompeii reminds us that art survives even through destruction. Its frescoes show how humans have always sought to fill their spaces with stories and color.

Through my work, I want to continue that dialogue across time.

The art of Ancient Rome connects us to a world that feels both distant and familiar. By reimagining its frescoes in my own oil paintings, I hope to celebrate that timeless human desire — to make beauty endure.

How to collect the original piece "Ancient Musicians"

I choose to paint all ladies with that stunning Flavian-era hairstyle I absolutely adore.