Roman Times: Fishing as a symbolic act of capture in Roman mosaics

Today's artwork is a mosaic depicting three erotes collaboratively fishing with a net. It was originally discovered in the House of Menander in Pompeii in front of a fountain. It is now installed in the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. My good friend Allan Gluck photographed the mosaic in situ there but I have also included detail images provided by the museum for closer inspection.

Roman floor mosaic depicting erotes fishing (symbolically for love?) found in the House of Menander in Pompeii, now on display at the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. Photograph by Allan Gluck.

Roman floor mosaic depicting erotes fishing (symbolically for love?) found in the House of Menander in Pompeii, now on display at the Dumbarton Oaks Museum in Washington D.C. Research photography by Neil Greentree

I asked Bard about possible symbolism of the imagery and found its answers quite interesting:

"There isn't a single, definitive meaning tied to the portrayal of Erotes fishing in ancient Rome. However, based on the context and the nature of Erotes themselves, we can consider multiple possible interpretations:

1. Love as Capture:

Fishing is an act of capture, and Erotes, companions of the god of love, could be seen as metaphorically "fishing" for hearts or capturing love interests. This aligns with their playful and mischievous nature, using their charms to ensnare unsuspecting individuals.

2. Love as a Game:

Fishing can be seen as a recreational activity and a game of skill. By depicting Erotes fishing, the Romans might be suggesting that love, while powerful, is also playful and involves a kind of strategic "game" where both parties participate.

3. Unexpectedness of Love:

Just like fish are unpredictable and surprise the angler, love can also strike unexpectedly and catch individuals off guard. This resonates with the unpredictable and impulsive nature of love associated with Erotes.

4. Abundance of Love:

A bountiful catch often symbolizes abundance and prosperity. By showing Erotes with a full net or basket of fish, the Romans could be expressing the idea that love is plentiful and readily available to those who seek it.

5. Specific Target of Love:

Sometimes, depictions of Erotes fishing might show them targeting specific types of fish. In these cases, the type of fish could carry symbolic meaning related to the desired type of love or the intended object of affection.

It's important to remember that these are just possible interpretations, and the specific meaning might vary depending on the individual artwork, and its context.

Bard then asked me for more information to expand on the work's interpretation:

"What kind of fish is Erotes catching? Different types of fish carry different symbolic meanings in Roman culture. For example, dolphins were associated with love and pleasure, while tuna symbolized strength and fertility.

"What tools and techniques is Erotes using? Is he using a net, a spear, or a line? Each method might suggest different aspects of love, like seduction, conquest, or patience.

"Is Erotes alone, or are there other figures present? If there are other figures, their identities and interactions with Erotes could offer clues about the target and meaning of his "fishing."

"Where is the mosaic located within the House of Menander? Its placement might inform its intended message and audience."

I then told Bard the species of fish depicted include mullet, dolphin shrimp, and cuttlefish. Bard replied:

"The inclusion of specific fish species adds another exciting layer to interpreting the symbolism in the mosaic! Here's how the different fish might contribute to the overall meaning:

Mullet:

In Roman culture, mullet was often associated with luxury, indulgence, and even Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Its presence could symbolize the pleasurable and desirable aspects of love, or the idea that love can lead to a life of abundance and enjoyment.

Dolphin:

Dolphins were highly symbolic in Roman culture, representing joy, love, playfulness, and even protection. Its inclusion could emphasize the joyful and playful nature of love, or suggest that love offers safety and security.

Shrimp:

While less common in symbolic interpretations, shrimp could represent abundance, fertility, or even hidden desires due to their association with the sea and their small, numerous nature. It might add a layer of complexity to the portrayal of love, suggesting its unexpectedness or hidden depths.

Cuttlefish:

Cuttlefish were known for their ability to change color and camouflage themselves. In the context of love, this could symbolize the transformative power of love, the ability to adapt and change, or even the deceptive nature of love.

Considering Together:

The combination of these fish species paints a multifaceted picture of love. It encompasses pleasure, joy, abundance, transformation, and potentially even hidden desires or complexities."

I also explained three erotes were using a net and it offered additional possible meanings:

"Number Three:

In Roman and Greek mythology, the number three often held symbolic significance. It could represent completion, harmony, or divine intervention. Three Erotes working together might emphasize the power and inevitability of love, or suggest different aspects of love working in concert.

Collaboration in Love:

Unlike the solitary hunter image often associated with love, the depiction of three Erotes collaborating could suggest that love involves teamwork, cooperation, and potentially even competition. Perhaps they represent different stages of love working together to capture hearts.

Targeted Effort:

While a single Erotes might cast a wide net, three working together could target a specific individual or group, suggesting a more focused and strategic approach to capturing love. Analyzing the surrounding context might reveal who or what their target might be.

Division of Roles:

It's interesting to consider if the three Erotes have individual roles in the fishing process. Does one hold the net, another lure the fish, and the third capture them? Such divisions could symbolize different aspects of love working together, like attraction, persuasion, and commitment.

Net as Metaphor:

The net can represent various aspects of love in this context. It could symbolize the entanglement of falling in love, the trapping of hearts, or the capture of desired individuals.

The net might also imply a collective effort or strategic approach to capturing love, as opposed to individual pursuit.

Shared Effort:

Three Erotes using a net together emphasize the collaborative nature of love. It suggests that love often involves multiple forces working in concert, like attraction, persuasion, and opportunity.

This portrayal could also imply the abundance of love and its inevitability. With three figures and a net, they seem well-equipped to capture many hearts."

I then pointed out that one erote is in a boat while the other two are standing on land. Bard replied with:

"That's another interesting detail that adds to the symbolism of the mosaic! Here are some potential interpretations based on the different positions of the Erotes:

Division of Roles:

The Erote in the boat could represent the active pursuit of love, venturing out and taking initiative. The two on land might symbolize the attraction and receptivity that draw love in, creating a space for it to flourish.

Alternatively, the Erotes on land could represent the preparation and foundation necessary for love, while the one in the boat embodies the culmination or expression of love.

Stages of Love:

The positions could depict different stages of love - the initial spark (Erotes on land), the pursuit and commitment (Erote in the boat), and finally, the shared experience and enjoyment (all Erotes together).

Social Context:

Perhaps the Erote in the boat represents a specific individual actively seeking love, while the two on land symbolize the broader societal context or potential partners waiting to be discovered."

Lastly, I pointed out that the mosaic was found in front of a fountain in a courtyard of the House of Menander in Pompeii.

Bard explained how even the position of the mosaic possibly carries further meaning:

"The placement of the mosaic in front of a fountain adds another intriguing layer to interpreting its meaning! Fountains in Roman culture often held symbolic significance, associated with:

Love and desire: Water itself was often seen as a symbol of love and desire, and fountains provided a source of life and refreshment. This connection strengthens the overall theme of love depicted in the mosaic.

Fertility and abundance: Flowing water symbolized fertility and abundance, aligning with the potential interpretations of the fish species and the collaborative effort of the Erotes.

Purification and renewal: Fountains were sometimes used for ritualistic cleansing, suggesting that love could represent a transformative or purifying experience.

Gathering place and social interaction: Fountains were often central gathering places, and the mosaic's location might imply that love thrives in social settings and communities.

Considering these symbolic associations, here are some possible interpretations of how the fountain placement impacts the meaning of the mosaic:

Love as a source of life and desire: The Erotes fishing near the fountain emphasizes the life-giving and desirable nature of love, drawing parallels between water and love's power to sustain and refresh.

Love as a promise of abundance and fertility: The fish species and the collaborative effort gain further meaning in the context of the fountain, symbolizing the potential for love to bring forth abundance and growth.

Love as a transformative experience: The fountain's association with purification adds another dimension to the portrayal of love, suggesting that love can bring about positive change and renewal.

Love as a social phenomenon: The location of the mosaic encourages viewers to consider love within the context of social interaction and community, highlighting its role in bringing people together."

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