Hercules and Omphale

At the lower right is Hercules, depicted with a dark complexion and an ivy-leaf crown. He reclines against a rock with his left arm supporting his torso upright and his right arm extended above him. In the center are three erotes who attempt to lift Hercules’ club, and behind him is an altar. Standing on the altar are three other erotes, who hold his quiver. At the top right, is Omphale, who is seated. To her right, another woman stands and with her left hand supports herself against a column. A third woman stands behind Omphale on her left. All three women look down at the drunken figure below. In the background is a tree with pine needles in the topmost branches. Behind that are faintly depicted mountains.

Hercules and Omphale

Medium:
Fresco
Dimensions:
88.3 cm wide, 102.9 cm high
Context:
House of the Prince of Montenegro, oecus 6, Pompeii
Date:
1st century CE
Inventory Number:
MANN 9000
Lender:
National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Credit:
Image © Photographic Archive, National Archaeological Museum of Naples