Art History Illustrated, Ghost Town: The Art and People of Ancient Pompeii
Thursday, March 16, 2023
6:30-7:30 PM
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted without warning, vaporizing the inhabitants of the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but perfectly preserving their architecture, art, and infrastructure. In this vividly illustrated talk, art historian Brenda Edgar will take a close look at the people of Pompeii, literally: as their bodies disintegrated within layers of hot ash, air pockets were formed which later archaeologists could fill with plaster, revealing detailed portraits of these tragic inhabitants of the Ancient Roman empire in their final moments. Then, Brenda will lead you on a tour through the excavated streets, elaborately painted homes, and lavish public buildings of this once bustling and wealthy town.
Join us for our “Art History Illustrated” talk series, held the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. This monthly illustrated talk series is presented by art historian Brenda Edgar, in collaboration with the Carnegie Center for Art and History.
Image: Portrait of Terentius Neo and his Wife, from Pompeii, in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.