Splendor of roman wall painting (Getty Trust Publications)

This is a superbly illustrated exploration of the finest ancient frescos found in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Rome. Visitors to the residences of ancient Rome cannot help but be astonished aby their grand architecture and enchanting wall paintings, still vibrant with cinnabar reds, golden yellows, and deep greens. "The Splendor of Roman Wall Painting" begins with an introduction to the Roman domestic ideal that inspired these wall decorations and a discussion of the evolution in painting styles, before moving on to take readers on a stunningly illustrated tour of 28 houses in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and the city of Rome. With 150 full-colour illustrations that perfectly capture the beauty and intricacy of these ancient frescoes - rich with details of illusionistic architecture, lush gardens, exotic animals and erotic adventures - this is a compelling volume for anyone with an interest in Roman art and architecture.