Tomb 87 (early-Antonine)
The interior has a socle imitating marble. In the centre of the back wall, below a large semicircular niche, is an inscription. Below the inscription the lovers Pyramus and Thisbe are depicted. Thisbe is sitting next to the body of Pyramus, lying below a tree. Pyramus has committed suicide, because he wrongly believed that Thisbe was killed by a lion. Now Thisbe is about to commit suicide. The painting may have been added in the third century.
General view.
Photo: Calza 1940, fig. 47.
General view, oil painting.
Photo: Calza 1940, Tav. IV.
Pyramus and Thisbe.
Photo: ICCD E017014.
In the niche to the left is a seated person, with two wicker baskets and a white ball at his feet (an Emperor, Calza suggests). In the niche to the right are a standing, bearded male figure holding a scroll and a child holding a tray with a vessel, a priest and a camillus according to Calza. The head of the man is not covered however, and the figures have also been interpreted as a deceased man and a child, involved in some ceremony.
A deceased man and a child.
Photo: ICCD E018913.
In the rectangular central niche in the left wall are figures on all three sides. On the back Calza recognizes Ajax abducting Cassandra, who is seeking protection from Athena. Cassandra is on her knees and stretches out her arms to a statue of the deity on a column. On the right side is Odysseus (wearing his typical cap, the pilleus), who asked for punishment of Ajax. The figure on the left side may according to Calza be Diomedes, or perhaps it is Priamus, Cassandra's father.
Central niche in the left wall: Ajax abducting Cassandra.
Photo: ICCD E041147.
Central niche in the left wall: Ajax abducting Cassandra.
Photo: Ilya Gotlinsky.
Central niche in the left wall: Odysseus.
Photo: ICCD E041152.
Above the niche a painting of Diana and Actaeon was found.
Diana and Actaeon.
Photo: ICCD E041191.
Winged head.
Photo: ICCD E041097.
Floral motifs.
Photo: ICCD E041141.
