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Lares house gods from a shrine found in Herculaneum
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Lares house gods from a shrine found in Herculaneum
Lares house gods depicted in a Lararium shrine found in Herculaneum. Crowned genii pour libations and bring a boar to sacrfice, while a woman with cornucopia makes an offering on an altar and a man plays a tibia or aulos. Two serpents crawl toward a cista mystica (sacred chest) below. Lari da una pittura d Ercolano. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Corsi from Giulio Ferrarios Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World, Il Costume Antico e Moderno, Florence, 1843
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Media ID 23383390
© Florilegius
Antico Beardless Corsi Ferrario Found Giulio Gods Hadrian Herculaneum Laurel Moderno Nero Noblemen Peoples Reign Rite Ritual Sacra Sacrificial Shrine Toga Wreaths Lares
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1. Lares House Gods: A Snapshot of Roman Domestic Religion in Herculaneum This hand-colored copperplate engraving, created by Corsi from Giulio Ferrario's "Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World," offers a glimpse into the rich and intriguing world of Roman domestic religion as depicted in a Lararium shrine discovered in Herculaneum. The Lararium was a sacred space dedicated to the Lares, the Roman household gods, who protected the family and ensured their well-being. The central focus of the image is a group of noblemen, each crowned with laurel wreaths, pouring libations and bringing a boar as a sacrificial offering to the Lares. The gods are depicted as bearded genii, their divine presence emphasized by their regal attire and the noble airs they convey. A woman, adorned with a cornucopia, makes an offering on the altar, symbolizing the abundance and fertility that the Lares bestowed upon the household. Two serpents, emblems of the Lares, crawl towards a cista mystica, or sacred chest, further emphasizing the protective role of these gods. In the background, a man plays a tibia or aulos, adding a musical element to the pompa sacra, or sacred rite, taking place in the shrine. This enchanting illustration, originally published in Florence in 1843, offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Rome. The Lares, with their role in ensuring the well-being of the household, were an essential part of Roman life, and their shrines, such as the one depicted here, were common features of Roman homes. Today, this image serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of the Lares and their role in Roman society. The engraving is currently housed in the Pio-Clementino Museum in the Vatican, a testament to the enduring allure and importance of Roman art and history.
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