Initiation frescoes from the Barberini Mithraeum

Ferrua, figs. 13-14; Cecchelli in Roma 1941, Tav. XVIII. See figs. 140-141. He stops in front of a cave, which is indicated by an outline of scallop and a dark-purple back-ground. In the cave two servants are waiting on two guests. The first servant with a raven’s head and raven’s legs is taking a plate of meat to Mithras and Sol who are sitting side by side at the table. Their festive attire consists of a red tunic with a broad, yellow belt and of a red cloak. Around Sol’s curly head a gilt radiate crown and an aureole, with other rays darting out of it, illumining the dark cave’s…