Pompeii Doorway

 Pompeii Doorway. Acrylic and Oil Pastel. Copyright Theresa Evans

Well, I've been away from my studio unexpectedly this last week or so. Family health issues come first. In the meantime, I thought I'd post this painting I did a few years ago. I was vividly reminded of my visit to Pompeii after watching the BBC programm "Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town" the other day. Did anyone watch it? It was so interesting. 


Here's a link to i-player:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wqfcx

It's fascinating how archaeology and modern day forensics continue to lift the lid on this ancient civilisation. Professor Mary Beard dispelled myths about how they lived and loved, the truth about their obsession with sex and how they conducted their society. She went down into ancient sewers where forensic archaelogists have been able to to discover that the people of Pompeii enjoyed a varied diet that included both local produce and imports!

I remember when I happened on this old doorway, in my painting above. It seemed such a privelege to be able to peer into what was someone's home nearly two thousand years ago. The table still standing, flowering weeds and cacti providing some sensitive decor. 

We had our sandwiches whilst sitting outside on the pavement. The grooves made by carts, which must have taken the same track day after day, were clearly visible in the stone road. Shops with their open fronts, so similar to ones still found in Naples today and people's homes lined the street. As we sat enjoying the Italian sunshine, it was perfectly easy to imagine Pompeiian children playing and the sounds of their laughter.

I will visit again some day. And hopefully, I'll get back to my studio soon. 

Happy Christmas to everyone :)