Partially restored ancient fresco depicting marriage of Dionysus, Ariadne displayed in Pompeii

Researchers have restored sections of a large fresco depicting the marriage of the Greek god Dionysus and Ariadne from Pompeii's Casa con Pacificio. The restored ceiling is on display at the Palestra Grande following an international workshop. The central panel shows Dionysus reclining in a chariot facing Ariadne, who plays the harp, surrounded by decorative elements.

Researchers have restored sections of a large fresco depicting the marriage of the Greek god Dionysus and Ariadne from Pompeii's Casa con Pacificio (House with Bakery), the archaeological park announced in late July. The restored ceiling is on display at the Palestra Grande of the Excavations, following the International Workshop Pompeii: Excavations and Ongoing Research. The fresco's central panel focuses on the divine union, with Dionysus reclining in a chariot facing Ariadne, who is playing the harp. Ariadne is accompanied by a citharist while the chariot is pulled by two musical centaurs. Surrounding the central panel are portrayals of shrines, garlands, allegorical figures of the seasons, winged genies, ritual symbols of the cult of Dionysus, theatrical masks, and instruments for libations. Though only fragments survived, reconstruction was possible through comparison with other ancient works. The decorative fragments were unearthed from the vaulted ceiling of a banquet hall on the upper floor of the house. The restoration used a curved, modular support to reconstruct over a quarter of the original mural, allowing for future additions. Only fragments whose exact location could be documented were used, in compliance with conservation guidelines. According to director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the restoration is part of the series of studies on the Dionysian theme chosen as the guiding theme for the park's 2026 projects.