In this superb fresco from Room L, the exedra, of the villa at Boscoreale, decorated bulls' heads (bucrania) support a sumptuous garland of laurel leaves, pomegranates, sheaths of wheat, and pinecones. Satyr masks, bells, and so-called cistae mysticae (sacred baskets) with writhing snakes emerging from them hang from delicate red ribbons. The masks, musical instruments, and especially the cistae mysticae are all references to Dionysus/Bacchus, the god of wine, fertility, and exuberant joie de vivre.

Open full-size image