Pompeii_ Domus Vettiorum, Painted Room, No. 11197 c. 1870 - 1880

This is a photograph of a painted room in the Domus Vettiorum, taken in Pompeii by Giacomo Brogi sometime before 1881. The materials in the original room, of course, were not those of fine art, but rather of daily life – plaster, pigment, and the skilled labor of the artisans who applied them. The photograph flattens the experience, but we can still perceive the careful planning of the room’s design. Consider the labor involved in preparing the walls, mixing the paints, and executing the scenes and decorative elements. This was not just the work of one artist, but a team of craftspeople, each contributing their expertise. These rooms weren't merely decorated; they were carefully constructed environments, reflecting the status and taste of the home's inhabitants. Looking at Brogi’s photograph now, it is important to acknowledge the full range of materials and processes that went into its making, from plasterwork to photography. By doing so, we gain a richer understanding of the social and cultural context in which these objects were created.