« Couvrez ce sein que je ne saurais voir »: la fameuse injonction de Tartuffe à Dorine aurait laissé de marbre les Pompéiens, dont la vie quotidienne était imprégnée de sensualité décomplexée.
Des statues dénudées ornant leurs jardins aux peintures érotiques égayant les murs de leurs chambres, les habitants de la ville ensevelie par l’éruption du Vésuve en l’an 79 vivaient dans un cadre qui n’a pas manqué de susciter stupeur et curiosité chez les archéologues et visiteurs de ce site mis au jour au XVIIIe siècle près de Naples.
C’est cette clé de lecture que le directeur du site de Pompéi, l’Allemand Gabriel Zuchtriegel, a choisi pour une exposition baptisée « Art et sensualité dans les demeures de Pompéi », qui réunit jusqu’en janvier 2023 quelque 70 œuvres tirées des réserves de Pompéi et provenant de toutes sortes de lieux: maisons privées, thermes, espaces publics, tavernes…
« Pompéi, depuis les premières fouilles, apparaît comme un ville où la sensualité et l’érotisme sont omniprésents », explique-t-il à l’AFP en costume-cravate devant les statues aux torses dénudés de fiers centaures, ces créatures mythiques mi-homme mi-cheval. « Dès le départ, cela est source d’embarras et d’effarement, mais aussi de curiosité », souligne-t-il, rappelant qu’à l’époque le roi de Naples, qui finançait les fouilles, avait décidé « de mettre sous clé dans un cabinet secret les objets les plus obscènes, comme on disait à l’époque ». Ce cabinet secret existe d’ailleurs encore aujourd’hui au musée archéologique de Naples.
Dès l’entrée de l’exposition, présentée dans le « Grand Gymnase » de Pompéi, le visiteur se retrouve nez à nez avec l’impressionnant pénis en érection d’une statue du dieu Priape, qui paradoxalement n’avait pas de connotation érotique pour les Romains car il symbolisait en fait la fertilité et la prospérité. A cette époque, il était placé traditionnellement dans l’atrium, l’entrée des maisons romaines.
Guide pour enfants
Pour cette exposition, « il accueille les visiteurs, comme pour dire +ceci n’est pas l’éros+, même si dans l’imaginaire moderne, on lui attribue ce sens », tient à préciser Tiziana Rocco, du bureau des expositions de Pompéi. En témoignent les réactions gênées ou les sourires de certains touristes face à ce phallus en gloire. Cette nudité sans fard ne manque pas de faire réagir, comme ce touriste américain de Seattle qui confie à l’AFP: « Je crois que la culture américaine moderne est un peu trop prude et mal à l’aise avec le corps humain ». « C’est chouette de voir que la culture antique était plus ouverte et disposée à montrer et glorifier le corps humain », ajoute ce quadragénaire en short et lunettes de soleil avant de s’attarder devant les peintures qui ornaient les murs d’un « cubiculum », l’équivalent romain de notre chambre à coucher. Sur un fond noir se détachent des cadres représentant diverses scènes, dont un homme et une femme en pleins ébats amoureux: peut-être une référence à l’un des ouvrages de l’abondante littérature érotique ayant fleuri à cette époque? Plus loin, une série de lampes à huile dévoilent aux visiteurs leurs décors coquins. Les enfants ne sont pas oubliés car « familles et enfants constituent une grande partie de notre public », rappelle Gabriel Zuchtriegel, qui a mis au point un joli guide illustré destiné à les accompagner dans leur visite.
« Le thème peut sembler difficile, mais il est omniprésent à Pompéi, il faut donc l’expliquer aux enfants d’une manière ou d’une autre », estime-t-il. Ce guide, accompagné de belles illustrations en couleurs, suit les pas d’un centaure parti à la recherche d’une centaure. Au cours de son voyage, il rencontre entre autres Narcisse (chasseur d’une grande beauté tombé amoureux de sa propre image), Dionysos (dieu de la vigne, du vin et de ses excès) et Hermaphrodite (fruit des amours des dieux Hermès et Aphrodite doté des organes sexuels masculins et féminins).
« Une manière ludique de rencontrer les différentes figures des mythes grecs présentes à Pompéi », résume Gabriel Zuchtriegel.
1/19
Visitors attend a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
2/19
Tiziana Rocco, head of the Pompeii Exhibitions Office, indicates a painting of a ceiling, during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
3/19
Tiziana Rocco, head of the Pompeii Exhibitions Office, looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
4/19
This photograph shows a part of a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
5/19
Vistors walk next to a « Centauress with fawn » sculpture, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
6/19
A vistor walks next to a « Satyr and hermaphrodite » sculpture, in Pompeii’s site of a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
7/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
8/19
This photograph shows a part of a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
9/19
Pompeii’s site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, poses during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
10/19
A vistor looks at a sculpture of Ephebe lamp-holder, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
11/19
Pompeii’s site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, poses during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
12/19
Visitors look at a « Wall with lush garden of a large reception room » fresco, during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
13/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
14/19
Vistors look at a painting of « Atrium » the first room of Roman house, in Pompeii’s site during a new exposition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
15/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
16/19
Visitors look at a sculpture of Ephebe lamp-holder, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
17/19
A child stands next to a « Medallions embellishing a cerimonial chariot », in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
18/19
19/19
Vistors look at a painting of a ceiling, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
1/19
Visitors attend a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
2/19
Tiziana Rocco, head of the Pompeii Exhibitions Office, indicates a painting of a ceiling, during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
3/19
Tiziana Rocco, head of the Pompeii Exhibitions Office, looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
4/19
This photograph shows a part of a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
5/19
Vistors walk next to a « Centauress with fawn » sculpture, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
6/19
A vistor walks next to a « Satyr and hermaphrodite » sculpture, in Pompeii’s site of a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
7/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
8/19
This photograph shows a part of a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
9/19
Pompeii’s site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, poses during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
10/19
A vistor looks at a sculpture of Ephebe lamp-holder, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
11/19
Pompeii’s site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, poses during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
12/19
Visitors look at a « Wall with lush garden of a large reception room » fresco, during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
13/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
14/19
Vistors look at a painting of « Atrium » the first room of Roman house, in Pompeii’s site during a new exposition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
15/19
A visitor looks on during a new exhibition in Pompeii’s site entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
16/19
Visitors look at a sculpture of Ephebe lamp-holder, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
17/19
A child stands next to a « Medallions embellishing a cerimonial chariot », in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
18/19
19/19
Vistors look at a painting of a ceiling, in Pompeii’s site during a new exhibition entitled « Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii » on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. – Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
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