Eugene Dwyer, Kenyon College

Collectible Singletons in Pompeiian Domestic Sculpture

Abstract

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the sculptural decoration of most Pompeian houses displays more diversity than uniformity.  While individual collections often show thematic consistency, when it comes to style they are more apt to show diversity.  The observation becomes even more valid as the quality and costliness of the material of individual works increase.  Bronze ensembles like the dancers from the Villa of the Papyri are unparalleled in Pompeii.  The nearest comparison Pompeii can offer is the pair of bronze Amorini from the garden of the House of the Vettii. The more imposing the piece, the more likely it is to have been found in Pompeii as a singleton.  Although it cannot be proven, it appears that some of the better works of sculpture that may once have been paired were subsequently divided among individual collections.  Conversely, pairs and pendants are more common among cheaper works.  The possession and display of a single work of imposing quality would inevitably have conferred a certain distinction upon any house in Pompeii.  It is not surprising, therefore, that imposing works of quality and costliness were often displayed by themselves where they would be most conspicuous, namely, at the head of the impluvium or in another prominent location visible from the atrium.  In such settings splendid works like the name piece of the House of the Faun or the bronze Hercules and the Stag from the House of Sallust would have served as icons of significance.