Plate LXIV - Peristyle of the house of Diocuri
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The view of the peristyle of the house of the Dioscuri, in plate LXIV, is one of the most splendid in Pompeii, and, at first sight, without restoration, it seemed to eclipse all that had yet been found. The walls remain to a height little short of the original elevation of the lower story, as may be seen from the Corinthian capitals of the pilasters at the angles. We have already given the dimensions of the columns, and some other parts. In the centre of the compluvium was a jet of water, with a brass mouth-piece. The water must, by reflection, have increased the light, and rendered more visible the ornaments and ceiling of the portico. On the right, under the painting of the satyr, is a door through which part of the court of the piscina is seen. |
Near the centre is the tablinum. The pilasters, on
each side of it, had Corinthian capitals, and these were
higher than the Doric portico in front of them.
The tablinum contains beautiful pictures, and the wall, on
one side, shows how lofty these rooms were built that they
might receive light from the windows above the peristyle. To
the right of this is a triclinium. To the left the
faux opens into the inner portico which surrounds the
garden. The wall, on the other side of the garden, with half
Doric columns, and painted with trees, fountains, arbours,
and birds, is seen through the tablinum.
It will be observed that this house might have been repaired
; and the temptation was so great, that, considering how much
was expended in putting up awkward sheds and pantiles, it is
astonishing how the desire of seeing an ancient house in
something like its ancient condition could have been
resisted. One of the chests containing the mysterious
treasure, which seems to have disappeared, stood immediately
on the left hand of the faux.