The mosaic of Pan and the Hamadryad, found in Pompeii, is a fascinating example of Roman art. Such works were popular among Roman householders, who were eager to decorate their villas with mythological scenes, often imbued with erotic or metaphorical symbolism.
Pan is the god of shepherds and wildlife, often depicted as half-man, half-goat, associated with primal instincts, music, and sexual attraction. The Hamadryads, on the other hand, were tree nymphs.
The scene depicted in the mosaic may depict Pan’s courtship of the Hamadryad, a popular motif in ancient art. These scenes often teetered on the edge between lust and rape, reflecting mythological tales and the social norms of the era.
