Roman Fresco. Domus Aurea.

Fresco discovered in the late 15th century in Rome that would influence Raphael and other artists to create a system of ornamentation and motifs that would change the direction of the decorative arts from the Renaissance onward.

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Garden mural from the House of Livia
The garden mural from the triclinium in the House of Livia, Rome. The paintings date ca. 30-20 BC. The murals are now displayed in a dedicated room of the National Museum of Rome, Palazzo Massimo.

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End wall-House of Livia Mural
One end wall of the frescoed triclinium (dining room) in the House of Livia, Rome. The garden is populated with plants related to life, death, and immortality. An oak (linked to Jupiter's power) flanked by a pomegranite at left (attribute of Demeter and fertility symbol) and quince at right (sacred to Aphrodite and bestowing good luck at weddings) laden with fruit. In the background between these are oleander bushes in bloom (toxic and symbols of death) and cyprus trees. The flowers lower down include (from left to right) coronary chrysanthemum (woven into funerary garlands to protect the dead), opium poppy (a prominent narcotic in the myth of Demeter), cabbage rose (a symbol of love), fetid camomille (used in garlands, known for medicinal value). In front of the low fence grow wild violets (associated with Attis and carried in procession each March 22nd on the 'dies violae') interspersed with common solopendra, a member of the fern family (protected against snakes and may have been used at funerals). The birds include thrushes, a blackbird, a partridge, The paintings date from 30-20 BC. The murals are now displayed in a dedicated room of the National Museum of Rome, Palazzo Massimo.