Jean-Claude Golvin

Pompeii, the amphitheatre, the 59th brawl

Type

Drawing

Equipment used

Black ink, Blue ink, Graphite, Paper, Watercolor

Dimensions

35.5 x 45.5 cm (Overall) 29.5 x 38.8 cm (Drawing)

Period

antiquity

Geographical area

Location or theme

Pompeii

Miscellaneous

Presentation :

Bird’s-eye view of the 59th brawl in Pompeii’s amphitheater. The drawing is in landscape format. It is framed in ink. Traces of watercolor are visible in the margins. Inscriptions appear on the reverse.
The drawing depicts the city’s amphitheater during a spectacle that degenerated in 59 AD. The spectators, Pompeians and inhabitants of Nuceria, descend on the arena to confront each other. They fight with their bare hands or with gladiatorial spears. Lifeless bodies lie on the ground.
The scene was inspired by a fresco in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

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