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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| May 4 2008, 10:52 AM EDT | meggle | |
| May 4 2008, 10:50 AM EDT | meggle |
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Re-discovery
Exploratory excavations were carried out around Boscoreale at the end of the 19th century. These less than scientific excavations continued well into the 20th century, producing many artifacts that were subsequently carted off to collections around the world.
In this way about 30 villae rusticae have been re-discovered, although this can only be a fraction the large number of farmsteads that once populated the area. Whilst frescoes, mosaics, and other 'treasure trove' were the goal of the excavators, the less glamourous finds, including farm buildings and implements are no less important historically.
These have provided invaluable information on the agricultural activities of the area, above all wine and olive oil production.
Villa Pisanella
This villa was excavated between 1895 and 1899 and is now re-buried. It is basically split into two parts, the familly's living quarters decorated with frescoes in the third style and a working area made up of a bakery, a stable, presses for wine and oil and dormitories for the slaves.The owner was perhaps Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, a banker from nearby Pompeii. In 1895 a 109-piece silver collection was discovered, consisting of a full table setting as well as a few diaplay pieces.
The silver had been hidden in a vat in the villa's wine press room (it can now be seen in the Louvre, Paris, having been donated by Count Edmond de Rothschild).
The cup pictured right displays some dark humour, as skeletons labelled with the names of noted philosophers act out scenes from life. The inscription reads 'Enjoy life while you have it, for tomorrow is uncertain'.
Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor
 .. Magnificent frescoes in the second style, like the one opposite, decorated the villa, but these were removed and can now only be seen in assorted museums dotted about Europe. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses many of the paintings. | The Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor was excavated in 1900 and derives its name from an inscription found in the building. However, a second inscription, this time of one L. Herennius Florus, found on a seal, could equally testify to the owner's name. On the north side of the peristyle is an oecus whose entrance is flanked by winged figures. Beside this is a cubiculum. ..  |
These paintings themselves depict further rooms, columns, landscape, and garden scenes, all emphasizing expansion and grandeur. Next to the villa were the farm buildings including a press and a mill for olives.
The Villa of Agrippa Postumus, Boscotrecase
Also known as the Imperial Villa or the Villa of Augusta, this was one of the most sumptuous villas at Boscotrecase. It was built by Agrippa, friend of the Emperor Augustus and husband of his daughter Julia. When Agrippa died (in 11 BC), the villa passed into the hands of his posthumously born infant son, Agrippa Postumus. ..
The frescoes, which are among the finest existing examples of third style Roman wall painting, must have been painted during renovations begun at that time. Most of the panels feature ornamental landscapes and mythological scenes set against richly colored backgrounds.
The third style of Roman wall painting flourished during the reign of Augustus. While earlier artists focused on creating an illusion of architectural depth with solid architectural forms, the artists at Boscotrecase presented more whimsical and highly refined elements.
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Other frescoes from the villa depict mythological scenes such as the one pictured opposite of Perseus and Andromeda taken from a cubiculum of the villa. This fresco, along with a companion piece of Polyphemus and Galatea can now be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
