House of the Ancient Hunt, Pompei

The House of the Ancient Hunt is located on via della Fortuna, close to the Porta di Nola gate and the House of the Faun. It is named after the large, spectacular fresco painted on its internal garden wall. The fresco shows an ancient hunt for wild animals amid the local mountain landscape. The house, originating from the Samnite period before Roman occupation, is one of the city’s best examples of a dwelling decorated with fourth style artworks. The fourth style covers the era between Nero becoming Emperor and the destruction of Pompei. Therefore many of these types of artworks are the best preserved in the ancient city.

Many of the hallmarks of fourth style painting are found on the walls of this house, including a great many scenes from Greek mythology. These include frescoes of Leda and the Swan, and Venus fishing, both housed in a cubiculum within the house. There is also a depiction of Actaeon watching Diane bathe, and busts of both Diana and Jupiter. In addition to the main fresco in the garden, there are a number of excellent, well preserved landscapes, include an Egyptian vista, complete with Pygmies, cherubs and carpets blowing in the wind – a hallmark of the fourth style of art in Pompei.