Shopping for love in the House of the Colored Capitals, Pompeii

 by Mary Harrsch © 2025

This morning, I came across an unusual fresco from the House of the Colored Capitals (VII 4,31/51) aka the House of Ariadne in Pompeii drawn by Wilhelm Zahn in 1833. It is known as the "Sale of Cupids" or "Eros Shop" and was found in exedra 18 (pompeiinpictures floorplan). The scan of the original drawing was quite aged and stained but I used Photoshop's color sampling and replacement technique to remove most of the damage.

House of the Colored Capitals VII 4,31-51 Pompeii 1833 drawing by Wilhelm Zahn of Exedra18, south wall "Eros Shop" fresco

House of the Colored Capitals VII 4,31-51 Pompeii 1833 painting by Wilhelm Zahn of Room 18, south wall of exedra with "Eros Shop" fresco

House of the Colored Capitals VII 4,31-51 Pompeii 1833 painting by Giuseppe Marsigli of Room 18, south wall "Eros Shop" fresco

House of the Colored Capitals VII 4,31-51 Pompeii 1834 drawing by Giuseppe Marsigli of Room 18, south wall Eros Shop fresco

I noticed that the house contains quite a few frescoes depicting Dionysiac scenes so I thought perhaps this is a scene of Silenus "selling" personifications of love to Ariadne in preparation for the romantic advances of Dionysus after the god and his tutor found her abandoned by Theseus on the isle of Naxos. Interesting detail, I noticed the structure where the "sale" is taking place has Ionic-style columns, like those around the peristyle of the House of the Colored Capitals!

Neither ChatGPT or ClaudeAI seemed to have any idea who the adult figures were, I asked ChatGPT what it thought of my interpretation and it said:

"Your interpretation aligns beautifully with the themes often explored in Roman wall paintings, especially in houses rich in Dionysiac imagery, like the House of the Colored Capitals (or House of Ariadne). Let’s explore this possibility further:

Silenus as the Seller of Love

If the elderly figure is indeed Silenus, his role as a companion and tutor of Dionysus makes him a natural mediator in matters of love and revelry. The idea of Silenus "capturing" or crafting love (the cupids) to bestow it upon Ariadne is a compelling allegory, particularly in a house known for its association with Dionysus and Ariadne.

Silenus could be seen as a symbolic agent of Dionysus, using his cunning and experience to facilitate Ariadne’s receptiveness to Dionysus’ advances.

The "sale of love" might metaphorically represent the preparation or offering of love as a divine and transformative force, aligning with the themes of Dionysiac myth and cult.

Ariadne and Dionysus

The identification of the female figure as Ariadne fits well within the broader narrative context of the house. In mythology:

After being abandoned by Theseus on Naxos, Ariadne was discovered and eventually wed by Dionysus, who adored her.

Dionysus is often associated with themes of liberation, ecstasy, and love. The cupids (Erotes) in the scene could represent love as both playful and divine, underscoring Dionysus’ power to awaken and nurture romantic passion.

The Fresco as Allegory

This interpretation would tie the scene into the broader Dionysiac program of the house’s decoration. The fresco may not illustrate a direct myth but instead functions as a playful and symbolic representation of the emotional and spiritual transformation that Ariadne undergoes through her union with Dionysus.

Silenus’s role here could be to personify the wisdom and folly of love, a theme often intertwined with Dionysiac imagery.

Ariadne’s contemplative pose suggests a moment of choice or realization, aligning with her legendary transition from despair (abandonment by Theseus) to joy (her marriage to Dionysus).

Conclusion

The "Sale of Cupids" fresco could indeed be a playful allegorical depiction of Silenus acting as an intermediary of Dionysus, offering Ariadne the promise of love (through the cupids) to prepare her for a divine union. This fits beautifully within the thematic and decorative context of the House of the Colored Capitals/Ariadne. It’s an imaginative, symbolic moment that connects the fresco to the broader Dionysiac mythos celebrated in the house!"

Sadly, as you can see from the closeup pompeiiinpictures took of the fresco in 2009, it is badly deteriorated today.

House of the Colored Capitals VII 4,31-51 Pompeii closeup of actual "Eros Shop" fresco circa 2009 in Room 18 on south wall of exedra

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