KITCHENS AND DINING ROOMS AT POMPEII ... - Get a Free Blog

Wide doorways framed a visual tableau onto the peristyles and brought in ample light
and fresh air. The tableau was modulated by formally dynamic garden colonnades that showed
different, disarticulated views through the columns to guests arranged around the table. No
guest had the best view. Certain important dining areas had their threshold marked by columns
or pilasters in antis, giving added depth to the tableau. 144 In front of some dining areas,
colonnades were broken or given wider intercolumniation, providing an uninterrupted view of
the garden. 145
Sculpture, fountains and basins were arranged as points of interest in some dining areas.
There are two elaborate set-ups: the bronze statue group set around the edge of a fountain basin
in front of I.4.5+25 (18), and the free-standing sculptures, aedicular fountain and water basin
concentrated around I.7.10-12 (23) and visible from dining hall (17) in the same house (Figs. 5.10,
5.21). 146 Other dining areas have simpler views, of a fountain basin. 147 The 'natural' garden
environment is tamed by its inclusion in the civilized construction of the house, and often
complemented by decoration within the dining areas. All in all, an impressive view for guests at
table is clearly of primary importance for owners of large houses.
Case grandi have some seasonal dining areas. They are identifiable by their location and
type of doorway, not their orientation -- summer and winter dining areas do not correlate to
northward and southward orientations, respectively. I.4.5+25 (53), I.6.2 (5) and I.7.10-12 (10),
with narrow doorways off atria, are likely for use in winter, as these are the most sheltered from
the weather; the latter even has black ground decoration to disguise the smoke from the braziers
that heated the room. 148 I.7.1 (16) has a narrow doorway onto the peristyle corner, and seems the
likely winter dining area in that house. I.4.5+25 (20) is preceded by a small vestibule that offered
further protection from inclement weather. Most dining areas with wide doorways probably had
folding doors or shutters (although the evidence has infrequently been noted). I.7.10-12 (17) and
I.10.4 (18) were provided with wooden shutters or doors that could be opened to whatever
degree was comfortable, making them available in all seasons. Owners of the largest houses
worked to have numerous options available for their banquets. They took advantage of
orientation and natural light and heat to position a variety of dining areas. By controlling
exposure to the outside world they ensured that those areas could be used for most of the year.
144 I.4.5+25 (18) has two columns in antis; I.4.5+25 (35) has two pilasters in antis.
145 Widened intercolumniations are made in colonnades in front of dining areas I.4.5+25 (18, 57, 58), I.7.1
(11a), I.10.4 (18).
146 A bronze Apollo also sat at the southeast corner of peristyle (32) in I.4.5+25, directly in front of dining
hall (35).
147 I.7.1 (9, 18), I.10.4 (c, 18)
148 For black-ground decoration in winter dining rooms, see chapter two, pp. 102-103.
149