Pompeii Pre-79 A.D.

Posted by missjunebug on Sunday August 16th,2009

missjunebug et al. (Mr. JB, TinyJB, & TinyJB’s college buddy) headed out to the fab LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) today. After a delicious brunch at Comme Ça in West Hollywood, they were ready to partake of the splendid exhibit entitled Pompeii and the Roman Villa Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples. The Bay of Naples was to Pompeiians and Romans as Rodeo Drive is to Hollywood Celebrities: Can’t live without! Richie rich Romans enjoyed the leisurely life of the well-accoutered villa replete with art inspired by classical Greece, sumptuous gardens, elegant interiors, and perfect views of the harbor and the waters beyond. Many aspects of the Roman good life were well represented in the sculptures, statuary, friezes, urns, and implements of the 1st century featured in the exhibit.

missjunebug’s favorites? The exquisite marble statue of Aphrodite/Venus (no arms, but lovely nonetheless), the intricate philosophers mosaic (easily a kagillion tiny pieces comprise this work of art!), the wrestling Hermaphrodite (a fun trick played on the viewer here!), the superb Roman glassware (some on loan from the Getty Villa), and the gorgeous red fresco entitled The Moregine Triclinium: Apollo and the Muses (not discovered until 1959!).

Afterwards, mjb et al. motored down Hollywood Blvd. past Vine and took a look at the culture of the current time.  A heavy-breathing Darth Vader. A threatening Storm Trooper. An angelic Michael Jackson in white from head to toe adorned with feathery sequined wings. Many flip-flop clad onlookers milling about. Hmmm.  What a difference a couple of thousand years make.