Partially restored ancient fresco depicting marriage of Dionysus, Ariadne displayed in Pompeii
Though only fragments of the panel portraying Dionysus and Ariadne have survived, its reconstruction was possible through comparison with other ancient works.
In July, researchers unveiled restored sections of a fresco from Pompeii's Casa con Pacificio, also known as the House with Bakery. The fresco, once part of a ceiling in the Excavations' Palestra Grande, depicts the union of Dionysus and Ariadne. Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, madness, and revelry, is seen in a chariot facing Ariadne, portrayed playing the harp.
She is accompanied by a citharist and the chariot is pulled by two musical centaurs. Around the central panel are shrines, garlands, allegorical figures, winged genies, ritual symbols, theatrical masks, and other ornamental elements. The restoration, which used a curved, modular support, has reconstructed over a quarter of the original mural.
The fresco was discovered in the House's vaulted ceiling after its collapse. The Pompeii Archaeological Park is using this fresco as part of its 2026 project theme. Additionally, a recently uncovered doctor's identity was revealed from a cast in Pompeii's Garden of the Fugitives, holding medical equipment.
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