Aut amor patriae aut amor nummi. An examination of ideological manifestations communicated through decoration in the public versus private sphere of a domus

Abstract

This article examines how the architecture and decoration of a domus communicated the ideological persona of the owner to the visitor, and how this communication changed from the public to the private sphere. This communication is understood as a reflection of the homeowner as a supporter of either of the two established mindsets romanitas and luxuria. Both mentalities suggest that the domus, when seen in toto, presents the paterfamilias as either rich and powerful or pious and noble. The main part of the examination will focus on two Pompeian houses, one severe and public, the other extravagant and private in character.