Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, Italy 470 BC

This fresco was found on one of the walls inside the Tomb of the Diver in Paestum, Italy, an ancient Greek colony. Created around 470 BC, this piece offers a rare glimpse into Greek funerary practices and their views on the afterlife. The image shows a nude male figure diving into what is presumed to be water, although the symbolism is much deeper. In ancient Greek culture, water was often seen as a transition point, a threshold. It has been argued that the diver is transitioning from life into death, diving into the unknown. The surrounding symposium scenes on the other walls suggest a celebration of life, making this moment of transition poignant. It invites us to reflect on our own transitions, the leaps we take, and the uncertainties we face. The image, in its stark simplicity, remains deeply human. It speaks to our shared journey from life to death.