A Narrative of Wealth: The Nuanced Principles of Interior Décor and Roman Art

The study of Roman art during antiquity leads to a greater understanding of the cultural and artistic priorities of the time. The Alexander Mosaic and the frescoes from the Villa of the Mysteries are key examples of interior decor that explore the public and private spheres, wealth and power, and narrative and storytelling within ancient art. The essay acknowledges the nuances within these key aspects of interior decor and highlights the necessary balance between them. Through this lens, the influence of Greek culture and myth in Roman art becomes evident.