Roman fresco in London | Photo: MOLA
In 2016, during excavations on 21 Lime Street in London, a fragment of a Roman fresco was discovered that dates back to the 1st century CE.
The painting probably adorned the corridor in the house of a wealthy citizen. In the fresco, we can see a deer gnawing at trees, birds, fruit and vines winding around the candlestick. The red colour was achieved with vermilion imported from Spain. The fresco presents a style that has never been found in Britain before; however, it refers to a painting from a Roman villa in Cologne (Germany).
The house where the fresco was found was probably demolished for the construction of the Forum Basilica.
Sources
- First-Century Roman Wall Painting Unearthed in London, "Archeology.com", 2.02.2016
