The four Pompeian styles
Four styles have been distinguished in Roman painting of the late Republican period and early Imperial period, until the destruction of the Campanian cities in 79 AD. These were defined by the German archaeologist August Mau (1840 - 1909) in his book Geschichte der decorativen Wandmalerei in Pompeji, published in 1882. Mau's proposals were later supported and the second style partly refined by the Dutch archaeologist Hendrik Gerard Beyen (1901 - 1965) in his monumental study Die Pompejanische Wanddekoration vom zweiten bis zum vierten Stil (1938 and 1960, unfinished). This triggered further work on Roman painting in The Netherlands by scholars such as Frédéric Bastet (1926-2008; Proposta per una classificazione del terzo stile pompeiano, 1979), Paul Meyboom, Eric Moormann, and Stephan Mols.
The first style ("incrustation style"; 200 - 80 BC) is characterized by the imitation of marble blocks, using stucco to create relief. Various vivid colours were used. There are three horizontal zones. A few architectural elements such as pilasters may also be depicted. The second style ("architectural style"; 80 BC - 15 BC) still imitates marble in a dark lower zone, but now flat. The style is characterized by architectural features, perspective and illusionism, using bright colours. Through openings in the architecture masks, landscapes and mythological scenes are seen. There is a feeling of openness and air. This style was criticized by Vitruvius: "These things do not exist now, nor will they, nor did they ever" (haec nec sunt, nec fieri possunt, nec fuerunt; De Architectura VII,5,4).
An example of the first style: Villa of Ariadne, Stabiae.
Photo: Wikimedia, Mentnafunangann.
An example of the second style: Villa of Boscoreale.
Photo: Wikimedia, Ad Meskens.
In the third style ("ornamental style"; 15 BC - 50 AD) the illusionism and three-dimensional world disappear. The walls are flatter and closed, the focus is on the interior. Vertical zones are separated by columns or candelabra. A central image often shows a mythological landscape. Small plants, animals and scenes are painted. In the fourth style ("intricate style" or "phantasy style"; from 50 AD) scenes become bigger and vistas return. The wall is a mosaic of framed pictures, often with a central picture. Statue-like figures may be inserted. The most famous examples are in the Domus Aurea, where the painter Fabullus worked.
An example of the third style: Villa of Poppaea in Oplontis.
Photo: Wikimedia, AlMare.
An example of the fourth style: House of the Vettii, Pompeii.
Photo: Wikimedia, Sailko.