Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, Italy. North Wall 470 BC

Editor: Here we have a fresco from the Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, Italy, created around 470 BC. What strikes me is its surprisingly casual depiction of what I presume is a symposium; it’s fascinating to see something so personal from so long ago. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It is indeed remarkable! It provides invaluable insights into social practices. Think about where this was found - a tomb. Placing a scene of communal celebration within a funerary context speaks volumes. How does it challenge or confirm your expectations of ancient art? Editor: It's more lively and… domestic than I expected, given the somber setting of a tomb. Most ancient art I've encountered feels grander, more concerned with gods or rulers. Curator: Precisely. It serves as a counter-narrative. What this image offers us is not necessarily the dominant narrative of gods and rulers but glimpses into social interactions, reflecting the lives of the elite class who could afford such monuments. Why do you think these frescoes are so important for the public? Editor: They make the past feel less distant, more human. History isn't just kings and wars; it’s also these everyday interactions, these shared experiences, and this allows a better engagement with what we might think of as an "official" or formal narrative. Curator: And the display of these scenes within a tomb. Reflect on what that signifies about their beliefs regarding life, death, and the afterlife, especially in the politics of imagery around ancient societies, their power structures, and social values. Editor: So, seeing everyday life depicted in a tomb… maybe the ancient Greeks valued social bonds even in death? Thanks for offering this unique lens to view this artwork! Curator: Absolutely, and reflecting on that relationship shapes the continued reception and power dynamics around how we view the imagery even today!