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Exhibition revives ancient Pompeii
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“THE Last Day of Pompeii,” an exhibition showcasing treasures, artifacts and casts unearthed at the site of one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions ever recorded is on display at Shanghai Global Harbor Museum through October 9.
On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano east of Naples, Italy, erupted. The explosion destroyed nearby Pompeii, a bustling coastal city located some 8 kilometers from the volcano. Millions of tons of searing hot ash rained down on Pompeii, killing thousands of residents but at the same time preserving their homes, possessions and mortal remains until rediscovery by archaeologists in the 18th century. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, excavations still continue today.
“The Last Day of Pompeii” features over 100 artefacts, as well as casts of Vesuvius’ victims, intricate frescos, detailed renderings and films.
The exhibition gives a comprehensive glimpse into the society, conventions and daily life of what was the ancient Roman Empire’s second city.
The show is organized by Shanghai Association for Social Economic & Cultural Exchange in partnership with Shanghai City Brand Event & Exhibition Ltd. Artifacts are on loan from independent institutions of the Italian Ministry of Culture and overseers of the Naples National Archaeological Museum and Pompeii excavation project.
A highlight of the section titled “Economic Life and Dietary Culture” is an ornate fresco lifted from the Garden Room of the House of the Golden Bracelet. The space was once a sumptuous dining room featuring three couches for reclining at meals.
There’s also a section which recalls the city’s fatal final moments, when volcanic ash, dust and gases overcame thousands of men, women, children and animals. It includes incredibly well preserved remains, seemingly frozen in time.
A casting technique developed by 19th century archeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli involves injecting plaster resin into the cavities left by victims’ bodies in hardened lava. The resulting casts are incredibly detailed and deeply poignant. This exhibition includes a cowering man, one hand covering his mouth in a futile attempt to survive; as well as a guard dog complete with bronze collar.
Date: Through October 9, 2-6:30pm (Monday), 10:30am-
8:30pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Venue: Shanghai Global Harbor Museum
Address: 3300 Zhongshan Rd N.
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