The Lost Ram

44cm high, roughly square

Around 60-79AD (uncertain)‏

Originally form a house in Pompeii, now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples

“ ...the human figure… assume[s] a secondary function in respect to naturalistic elements…” Rocky cliff face Mountain wall Two elegant monuments Low shrine with tiled roof & floral finial Shepherd with staff Two white sheep Garlanded open door Dark toned yellow-brown foreground Low marble platform Sun-tanned shepherd leading a Large-horned ram to sacrifice White goat grazing at edge of gorge Worshipper (?) Duplicating pose of statue Statue, wearing hat or helmet, holding lance & quiver tree

The painting carries a Sacro-idyllic theme – It combines countryside Elements with religious Elements. This style was common.

Impressionistic style of painting Forms are depicted using only a few brushstrokes Atmospheric effects are the focus The sharpness Of the shepherd And the ram and The monument Contrasts with The soft hazy background

Colours are predominantly White-grey and purple. The foreground is A darker toned brown With yellow highlights.