by Mary Harrsch © 2024
In the same book by Wilhelm Zahn that I found the drawing of Leda and Tyndareus, I found an 1829 drawing of Atalanta and Meleager in the House of the Centaur. When compared to a number of other frescos of the myth in Pompeii, I thought the fresco in the House of the Centaur had more interesting details illustrated in the drawing, than other examples. However, I should point out there were several such frescos of Atalanta and Meleager that, sadly, are only known from excavation reports because they are no longer extant and apparently no 19th century artists painted or drew them before they disappeared.
Atalanta and Meleager from the tablinum of the House of the Centaur in Pompeii by Wilhelm Zahn 1829 |
Pompeii (VII 15,3) 1871 drawing by Geremia Discanno of Atalanta and Meleager from south wall of oecus, on left side of entrance corridor |
Casa del doppio Larario VII 3,13 Pompeii Drawing by Giuseppe Abbate, 1843, of painting on west wall of triclinium, showing Atalanta and Meleager |
We are really fortunate the original fresco was cut out and taken to the Royal Bourbon Museum because the House of the Centaur was severely damaged in the Allied bombing on the evening of September 16, 1943.
I asked ChatGPT what message this fresco would impart to 1st century CE Roman viewers and it replied:
"This fresco, identified as portraying Atalanta and Meleager, would have conveyed significant cultural and symbolic messages to 1st-century CE Roman viewers.
"Virtus and Leadership: Meleager, as the leader of the Calydonian hunt, represents leadership, bravery, and virtue (virtus)—qualities deeply admired in Roman society, particularly among elites.
"Heroic Prowess: The scene celebrates the heroes' triumph over the massive boar, an animal often associated with chaos and danger. For Romans, this could symbolize the victory of order (civilization) over chaos.
"Gender Dynamics: Atalanta, a prominent figure in the hunt, challenges traditional gender roles by displaying equal skill and bravery to the male heroes. Her presence might reflect Roman debates or ideals about gender and exceptionalism.
"Potential Domestic Meaning: The fresco's placement in a private home, like the House of the Centaur, could imply admiration for heroic virtues or suggest an association between the mythological themes and the house's owner. A viewer might see this as a reflection of the patron’s strength, valor, or aspirations."
Zahn's drawing makes some of the more interesting details easier to see. One such detail is the statue of a female carrying torches in the background. Her headpiece, although not exactly resembling a city's walls like you would see on Tyche, made me wonder if it was that goddess. ChatGPT thought it would more likely be Hecate.
"The female figure depicted as a statue holding two torches likely represents Hecate, the goddess associated with crossroads, boundaries, and transitions. She is often depicted with torches, symbolizing guidance and illumination in the dark. However, she could also be Tyche (Fortuna), depending on contextual interpretations. Tyche was the goddess of fortune, chance, and prosperity, and her presence might reflect a wish for good fortune and protection for the household.
"Supporting Details: The boar at the foreground and the seated figures with spears are clear references to the Calydonian Boar Hunt. If the statue is Hecate, her inclusion could connect the myth to themes of fate and destiny, underscoring Meleager's tragic end (caused by his mother burning the log tied to his life).
"If interpreted as Tyche, the imagery might emphasize the blessings of success and wealth brought through heroic deeds.
"This fresco's themes, tied to mythological narratives, would have resonated with Roman viewers, drawing connections between legendary heroism and contemporary values, while possibly glorifying the status or identity of the homeowner."
I explained I thought the torch-bearing statue might be Tyche because of the headpiece she wears on the top of her head, even though it does not look quite like city walls, then asked "Is Hecate associated with any other attributes besides the torches?"
ChatGPT observed: "You raise an interesting point about the headpiece possibly resembling a city crown (associated with Tyche). It’s worth exploring both options, as Hecate and Tyche do have overlapping iconographies but are distinct in their mythological roles.
"Attributes of Hecate: In addition to the torches, Hecate is often depicted with these attributes:
"Dogs: She was closely associated with dogs, often shown with them as companions or guardians.
"Keys: Representing her role as a guardian of boundaries and transitions, particularly between the mortal and divine realms.
Serpents: Sometimes included in her imagery as symbols of chthonic (underworld) power.
"Triplicity: Hecate is frequently depicted as triple-formed (with three faces or bodies), representing her role as a goddess of crossroads and transitions.
"Moon: As a liminal deity, she is also associated with the moon, particularly its darker phases.
"Saffron Robes: Often described in ancient texts as wearing golden or saffron-colored clothing.
"If the headpiece in the fresco does not resemble a city wall, this would make Hecate the more likely candidate. Her connection to transitions and protection at boundaries might symbolize the mythological transition points or foreshadow Meleager's fate.
"Attributes of Tyche: On the other hand, Tyche (or Fortuna in Roman tradition) is usually depicted with:
"A Mural Crown (City Crown): A headpiece shaped like city walls, representing her role as the protector of cities and their fortunes.
"A Cornucopia: Symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
"A Wheel: Reflecting the capricious nature of fortune.
"A Globe or Sphere: Indicating her dominion over the world and its shifting fortunes.
"While the headpiece on the statue in this fresco could suggest Tyche, it might be a stylized element rather than a literal mural crown. The torches, which are not typically part of Tyche's iconography, would then seem out of place unless blended with local or artistic conventions.
"Interpretational Possibilities: If the statue is Hecate, her presence could emphasize Meleager's tragic destiny, as she is often linked to death, transitions, and fate.
"If the statue is Tyche, it might underscore the fortune or prosperity associated with the heroic narrative of Atalanta and Meleager, reflecting a wish for protection and success in the household.
"Considering the fresco comes from a domestic context, the identification might also reflect a combination of traditional attributes tailored to the patron’s symbolic or aspirational intent."
I did admit there were two, what I assumed to be, hunting dogs in the scene.
ChatGPT then responded: "The presence of dogs in this fresco strengthens the identification of the torch-bearing statue as Hecate, as dogs are closely associated with her in both art and myth. Hecate was a goddess of transitions, boundaries, and the liminal spaces between life and death, and her frequent companion animals, such as dogs, symbolize her chthonic (underworld) associations."
"Dogs as Symbolic Elements: In the context of the myth of Atalanta and Meleager, the dogs may emphasize the hunting theme, particularly tied to the Calydonian Boar Hunt. However, their placement near the statue aligns with Hecate's presence, suggesting a dual significance: they represent both the hunt and her symbolic guardianship over transitions and boundaries, foreshadowing Meleager's tragic fate.
"Hecate's Torches and Dogs: Hecate’s torches were traditionally used to light the way in darkness—whether for nocturnal rituals, guiding souls, or symbolizing enlightenment through the crossing of physical or spiritual thresholds. The combination of torches and dogs reinforces her role as a protective yet ominous figure in mythological narratives.
"In this fresco, Hecate’s presence might foreshadow the tragic aspects of Meleager's story, particularly his death, which was bound to the burning of the log that represented his life. Her role as a liminal figure could emphasize the household’s awareness of the fragility of human fortune and the inevitability of fate, providing a moral or philosophical reflection for Roman viewers."
I then asked ChatGPT about the two figures on the right, particularly the man with the petasos hat who has what appears to be a miter and a ribbon next to him.
ChatGPT explained, "The figure on the far right, wearing a petasos hat (a common headgear associated with travelers and messengers in Greek and Roman art), could represent Hermes (Mercury). Hermes is often depicted wearing a petasos along with other attributes such as a caduceus (herald's staff) or winged sandals. However, in this particular scene, the figure appears seated, contemplative, and resting his hand on what might be a ceremonial object like a miter with a ribbon.
"Possible Interpretations:
"Hermes' Role as Guide: If this figure is indeed Hermes, he may symbolize his role as a guide or psychopomp, connecting the mortal world with the divine. This aligns with the myth of Atalanta and Meleager, emphasizing transitions, fate, and divine intervention.
"The ribbon could be related to a sacred or ceremonial function, possibly alluding to a ritualistic aspect of the hunt or the narrative's ties to fate and divine will.
"A Mortal Companion or Participant: If not Hermes, the figure could be a mortal character associated with the Calydonian Boar Hunt. The petasos hat might simply identify him as a traveler or huntsman. The ribboned object could symbolize participation in the hunt or a prize.
"Cultural Context of the Miter and Ribbon: In Roman frescoes, ribboned objects often carry sacred or celebratory connotations, such as victory, divine favor, or connection to ritual practices. If this is a miter, it might signify a link to sacrifice or dedication to the gods, which is relevant given the myth's themes of divine retribution and offerings.
"Artistic Choices: The seated figure contrasts with the active poses of Atalanta and Meleager, perhaps reflecting contemplation or the aftermath of the hunt. His subdued posture may hint at wisdom or a role as an observer, aligning with Hermes' dual nature as both active messenger and thoughtful guide.
Remembering the myth and the disagreement over disposition of the prize hide I asked, "Wasn't Meleager killed because of jealousy over the prize?"
ChatGPT: "Yes, Meleager's death in Greek mythology is tied to events stemming from the aftermath of the Calydonian Boar Hunt, specifically involving jealousy and family conflict over the prize of the boar's hide.
"The Myth: Meleager, a hero of the hunt, awarded the boar's hide to Atalanta, with whom he was infatuated. Atalanta had struck the first wound on the boar, and Meleager felt she deserved the trophy. However, his decision sparked a fierce dispute among the other hunters, particularly his uncles, the brothers of his mother, Althaea. They viewed it as an insult that a woman should receive such an honor.
"In the heat of the argument, Meleager killed his uncles to defend Atalanta. This act of familial violence devastated his mother, Althaea. Seeking vengeance, she remembered a prophecy tied to her son's life: at Meleager's birth, the Fates had decreed that he would live only as long as a certain log (or brand) remained unburned. Althaea had preserved the log for years, but in her grief and rage, she threw it into the fire, causing Meleager's immediate death.
"Themes of Jealousy and Fate: Jealousy over the prize (the boar's hide) initiates the conflict, demonstrating how personal pride and social norms regarding gender roles can provoke deadly consequences.
"The myth also emphasizes the inexorability of fate and divine will, as Meleager's life was bound to the burning of the log.
"Relevance to the Fresco: If this fresco from the House of the Centaur represents the Calydonian Boar Hunt, the inclusion of additional figures like Hermes (or other symbolic characters) could allude to the myth's broader themes of justice, fate, and divine intervention. The peaceful moment in the fresco might depict the calm before the storm, underscoring the eventual tragedy tied to Meleager's death."
Looking more closely at the object's left end, I pointed out the object could be a sheathed sword, although the right end is not pointed.
ChatGPT: "The object near the seated male figure with the petasos hat in the fresco could indeed be a sheathed sword. This interpretation aligns with common artistic motifs in Greek and Roman art, where warriors or travelers are often depicted carrying swords or other equipment. In this case, the seated male could represent a companion or fellow hunter in the Calydonian Boar Hunt, equipped for the expedition.
"Visual Clues: The Ribbon: If attached to the sheath, it might represent an ornamental detail, common in artistic depictions of weaponry in mythological contexts.
"Symbolic Role: A sword would enhance the martial tone of the scene, reinforcing themes of heroism and impending conflict. This fits the myth of Meleager, where disputes over the spoils lead to violent outcomes.
"Cultural Context: In Roman art, such depictions often served a dual purpose. They evoked the legendary past while subtly reflecting Roman values, such as military prowess, duty, and the consequences of failing to balance personal desires with collective harmony.
"If this is a sword, it might hint at the violent resolution of the myth, foreshadowing Meleager's death and the tragic collapse of alliances and family bonds."
I asked then, if the ribbon could also symbolize family ties that would be severed by the sword.
ChatGPT: "The ribbon possibly representing family ties adds an intriguing layer to the interpretation of the scene and aligns well with Roman ideals and concerns about familial duty, honor, and tragedy.
"Familial Ties and Tragic Conflict in Meleager's Myth: In the myth of Meleager, familial bonds play a central role. Meleager's killing of his uncles (the brothers of his mother, Althaea) over the distribution of the boar's hide leads to his downfall. Althaea, heartbroken and torn between her roles as mother and sister, ultimately curses Meleager and causes his death by burning the log tied to his life.
"The ribbon on the sword, symbolizing familial ties, would then foreshadow:
"The Severing of Bonds: The sword, as a weapon of destruction, becomes a literal and metaphorical tool for severing these ties. Meleager’s actions not only lead to bloodshed but also the collapse of familial unity.
"Inevitable Fate: The ribbon could also signify the fragility of human relationships, particularly within families where loyalty and betrayal are juxtaposed, as seen in Meleager's tragic tale.
"Roman Ideals Reflected in the Scene: Roman art and mythology often adapted Greek stories to reflect societal values. In this case, the fresco might serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to maintain familial harmony:
"Pietas (Duty): Romans valued loyalty to family and state above personal desires. The myth of Meleager could be interpreted as a warning against prioritizing individual pride or gain over family obligations.
"Consequences of Hubris: The boar hunt and its aftermath illustrate the dangers of arrogance, jealousy, and unchecked passions—all themes resonant with Roman moral lessons.
"Conflict Resolution: The tragedy in Meleager's story demonstrates the destructive consequences of unresolved disputes, a theme that would resonate in the politically and socially complex world of 1st-century CE Rome.
"The Sword and Roman Symbolism: If the object is a sheathed sword, it could also symbolize:
"Potential for Violence: A sheathed sword indicates restraint or readiness, emphasizing the tension before the inevitable conflict.
Honor and Sacrifice: Romans associated swords with martial values, honor in battle, and the necessity of sacrifice for the greater good, even when it led to personal tragedy.
"In this context, the fresco might also serve as a subtle reflection of the patron's own values, perhaps evoking a message about the responsibilities and potential costs of leadership, particularly in military or familial settings."
So, like the Leda and Tyndareus fresco, we see once more how background figures and small details lend additional meanings to such mythological murals.
Images: In addition to different renditions of the mural in the House of the Centaur, I have also included two other drawings of the myth found in the Casa del doppio Larario (VII 3,13) and a small unnamed house at VII 15,3.