A Roman Fresco Wall Painting Fragment, Early Roman Imperial Period, ca. 15 BCE - 50 CE

This fine, realistic fragment shows a white Nile crane with its large wings spread above its body, long delicate legs extended, its neck outstretched, and a small tuft on top of its head.  It is typical of work done in the Third Style (around 1–20 CE), which coincided with the reign of Augustus, where surface ornamentation was favored over illusion. During the Early Roman Imperial Period, wall paintings such as this example often featured a monochromatic background in rich reds, deep blacks, or pure whites that were adorned with intricate architectural and plant-like designs. These elaborate details were the central focus, while figural and landscape scenes played a secondary role in the overall decorative scheme. Some of the most remarkable examples of this period are the frescoes found in the imperial villa at Boscotrecase near Pompeii. Surprisingly, the Third Style also incorporated Egyptian elements and symbolism, including depictions of the Nile and Egyptian gods, as illustrated i