Could a well-executed mural depicting the myth of Neptune and Amymone point to a Pompeii resident's involvement with the management of water?

 by Mary Harrsch © 2024

Continuing to explore the lithographs produced from the paintings of Henri Roux, I next examined the lithograph labeled Neptune and Amymone. I searched Pompeiiinpictures.com and found it in the House of the Anchor aka House of the Black Anchor. I also found a drawing there by Giuseppe Marsigli that had several distinct differences. In Marsigli's painting, Neptune wears a fisherman's cap and he is much more naturally posed with his hair in ringlets rather than the casually rendered hair in Roux's painting. I noticed Raoul-Rochette mentioned the figure of Neptune in Roux's painting appears to suffer from "rapid execution" so maybe the Neptune figure was painted from memory after Roux left the site. Amymone, on the other hand, appears to closely resemble the Danaid in Marsigli's painting so perhaps it was rendered while the artist was still working at the site.

House of the Anchor VI 10,7 pre-1846 Amymone and Poseidon (Neptune) from south wall of room on south side of entrance

Giuseppe Marsigli's drawing of Neptune and Amymone from the House of the Anchor (Pompeii VI 10,7)

When I did a search on pompeiiinpictures.com for Amymone, I found links to six different paintings although only one, a poorly preserved painting of Neptune and Amymone in the House of M. Fabius Rufus came close to the quality of execution of the mural that once graced the House of the Anchor. I asked ChatGPT the significance of the myth to the Romans and it replied:

"Several factors made the myth appealing to the Romans:

"Symbol of Water and Prosperity: Water was a precious resource in the ancient world, especially in the Mediterranean. Poseidon’s creation of a spring for Amymone would have symbolized divine control over water and nature. For Romans, the myth of Amymone represented the gods’ ability to provide essential resources, crucial for agriculture and urban life.

"Divine Protection and Intervention: Amymone’s rescue by Poseidon highlighted the protective aspect of the gods. In Roman values, divine intervention by gods in mortal affairs was seen as a blessing, reinforcing the idea that divine favor brought security and abundance.

"Themes of Fertility and Renewal: Water had clear associations with fertility and the renewal of life. This myth celebrated the life-giving properties of water, aligning with rituals for agricultural productivity. The scene of Poseidon striking the earth and creating water could symbolically echo the renewing aspects of marriage and procreation, which were central to Roman society and values.

"Artistic Appeal: The myth offered a dramatic scene that lent itself well to Pompeian wall paintings. The contrast between the earthly and the divine, the interaction between a god and mortal, and the backdrop of nature could create vivid, attractive compositions suited to frescoes.

"In Pompeii, particularly in wealthy households, such frescoes might convey the hope for prosperity, divine protection, and favor, aligning with the ideals of a flourishing household blessed by the gods."

Since the myth's core message is the value of water and I know the House of the Anchor has a very large garden on its lower level that obviously required a great deal of water, I asked ChatGPT if the quality of the mural might suggest the resident had some connection with management of the water supply in Pompeii. It replied:

"A well-executed mural of Neptune and Amymone in the House of the Anchor could suggest a symbolic connection to water management, especially since Neptune (Poseidon) was revered as the god of the sea and fresh water. In Pompeii, where securing a steady water supply was essential and challenging, individuals involved in aqueduct maintenance, well-digging, or water distribution might have chosen such imagery to reflect their profession or status.

"The association of Neptune with water resources would make him a fitting figure for residents connected to water-related occupations, particularly as the Romans valued water engineers, aqueduct officials, and those who facilitated water access. Displaying a mural of Neptune could also reflect a desire for divine blessing in matters of water—possibly to ensure a bountiful supply or protection from scarcity, especially in a location as dry as Pompeii.

"Moreover, Amymone’s myth emphasizes the provision of water as a life-sustaining force, aligning with a role in public water management. If the resident held a civic position related to water or was wealthy enough to sponsor such projects, a mural like this could act as a statement of their contributions to the community’s welfare."