The Roman House at Hopkins | Roman Walls and Floors

Fresco Fragment 987

By Adam Tabeling

Accession Number: JHAM 987
Measurements: Length: 10cm, Width: 9.8cm
Material: Paint, plaster
Culture/Date: Roman, 1st c. CE
Provenance: Italy

This fragment depicts an ornament, painted red and gold on a beige background. This ornamental motif is mysterious and has been the object of various interpretations. Some hypothesize that it is a fruit and others believe that it is a warrior’s helmet. What do you think it is?