Roman fresco showing flying bird

Roman fresco depicting a flying bird. The scene is part of a larger composition from Pompeii.

The Romans placed great importance on realistically depicting animals in their frescoes. Artists strived to faithfully capture the body structure, movement, and behavior of the creatures they depicted – from domestic dogs and birds to wild animals such as lions, deer, and horses. They painted them with meticulous attention to detail: visible muscles, shiny fur, and the tension in the animals’ movements testify to their keen observation of nature.

Animal scenes were often dynamic and narrative – depicting hunts, arena fights, as well as tranquil scenes from everyday life, such as bird feeding or dogs resting in patrician homes. Thanks to this approach, Roman frescoes not only decorated interiors but also reflected the Romans’ admiration for the natural world and their desire to capture its true essence.