Polyphemus and Galatea

A man with a dark complexion is seated on a rock outcropping in the foreground. A panther skin covers his right hip. In his left hand he holds a pastoral staff, and with his right he points to his chin, as if to indicate surprise. To the left of the man, a woman points to him and turns to a woman at her right. That woman holds a fan and looks at the man. The interaction may represent the first meeting of Polyphemus and Galatea. In the background is a building decorated with the relief of a battle scene.

Polyphemus and Galatea

Medium:
Fresco
Dimensions:
72.4 cm wide, 57.5 cm high
Context:
Villa at the Royal Stables on Portici
Date:
1st century BCE
Inventory Number:
MANN 8983
Lender:
National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Credit:
Image © Photographic Archive, National Archaeological Museum of Naples