Ancient Rome - Pompeii- Villa buy of the Mysteries Initiation Scene Three - 12x12" Canvas Wall Art

This amazing Ancient Roman scene is an image of authentic painted wall art from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, from the 1st Century AD.

It depicts the third scene of the initiation of a woman into the Dionysian Mysteries, also called the Mysteries of Bacchus. Bacchus, a god of sensuality, pleasure and spirituality was popular with Roman women as well as men.

In this scene a young male satyr (far left)plays pan pipes, while a nymph nurses a goat. This seems to be a part of the initiation ritual where the initiate was reminded of their true close connection with nature. This blending of human and nature represents a shift away from the conscious human world to our preconscious animal state. In many rituals, this regression, assisted by music, is requisite to achieving a psychological state necessary for rebirth and regeneration.

The startled initiate (again pictured in the scene at the far right) now sees what awaits her in the inner sanctuary where she will descend to the underworld, and her death and rebirth will take place. She is obviously alarmed and this is her last chance to save herself by running away. Perhaps some initiates did just that!

Again, Mystery Religion initiations in ancient Rome were based on first-person participation by the candidate, where one would play a role and "live" the story. The initiate was previously prepared, tested and instructed, now her transformation is before her, both frightening and awesome.

This ancient fresco is one of the best preserved ancient paintings from the Roman world. The colors are amazingly lively as the Villa of the Mysteries was covered with ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving the paintings.

This 12x12" canvas makes a wonderful gift for the historian (or the initiate!) in your life! buy