House of the small fountain, Roman domus in Pompeii, Italy
The House of the Small Fountain is a Roman residence in Pompeii with several rooms, including two atrium courtyards, a large dining room, and service areas such as kitchen and latrines. The central garden with painted walls and a mosaic-decorated fountain featuring shell patterns is the heart of the property.
Excavations began in 1827 and uncovered bronze statues, including a fisherman figure and a cherub. The building was originally formed from two earlier Samnite structures and was reshaped following an earthquake in 62 CE.
The interior walls show Fourth Style paintings with scenes of nature and sea, showing how wealthy Romans decorated their homes.
The rooms are connected through a central garden and create a natural flow through the house. The layout makes it easy to recognize the different functional areas and understand the spatial organization of a Roman residence.
A bronze cherub statue embraces a goose beside the fountain, an unusual sculptural work showing playfulness in Roman home decor. This whimsical detail reveals the homeowner's sense of humor and appreciation for nature in their private spaces.
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