From The Ashes of Vesuvius
TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO, the region of Stabiae, Italy, was the most luxurious corner of the Roman Empire--where the richest and most powerful Romans assembeled the best artisans and archietects to build, design, and decorate their beautiful seaside villas; some exceeding one hundred thousand square feet in size.
In the First Century, Mount Vesuvius erupted, raining ash and molten rock upon the surrounding lands of Stabiae, Pompeii, and Herculaneum. A mass exodus occoured among those not suffocated by the toxic gas thickening the air. But buried deep beneath the cinder and ash, discovered by accident in the Twentieth Century, lies the ruins of entire towns, perfectly preserved and untouched by man.
On exhibition for the first time in the United States, the Dallas Museum of Art presents over seventy artifacts and archaeological preservations from the long lost villas.
I was quite amazed to see these artifacts in real life, having only read about them in history class and having only seen photographs. Though very old and recovered from beneath the surface of the Earth, the decorative murals which once lined the walls and ceilings of the wealthy were quite orante and complex.
The gallery was a re-creation of the floorplan of a particular villa, each section showcasing items found in relation to one another (cooking utilities such as pots and pans were placed in a room designated as a kitchen), complete with a mini model of what the villa is believed to have looked like based on historical records and the site of recovery itself.
Perhaps the most spectacular artifact was a large water fountain, made of brilliant marble and nearly half an arm's span in diameter. I walked round it slowly, taking care not to draw a docent.
Also equally amazing was the lack of formality my fellow patrons displayed in the exhibit and throughout the museum. I don't understand why people can't turn off their fucking cell phones in places like libraries, museums, or even churches (and I don't mean the fried chicken chain).
Also, old and middle aged ladies were getting bent out of shape about having their bags checked. Newsflash, bitches: Priceless artifacts draw lots of security issues, and we all know that a Glock or two...or three...easily fits inside the size of purses these days.
As was expcted, there was a sizeable number of gay and lesbian couples there, along with the scantily clad youth in the tightest pants. Birkenstocks nearly outnumbered regular footwear. Also featured in the exhibit was a documentary (short film) outlining the excavation process as well as a recreation of the mountain's volcanic eruption.
My admission was courtesy of AT&T, who also sponsered a live music event and a mixed drink soirre in the grand promenade, which was standing room only, crowded like the exhibit. I plan on returning next week earlier in the evening so that I will have more time to see the other collections on display.
