Painted tauroctony from Rome

TNMM 714 ↔ CIMRM 337

Wall-painting, discovered in the Casa di Tito "22 genare 1668 vicine il Colosseo" (Holk., II, 36).

In the beginning of the 18th century Topham made a number of aquarels, which were afterwards collected in five volumes and presented by him to Eton College. One of them represents our fresco (Eton, II No. 19). Another reproduction slightly deviating, however, (the reclining figure has been left out and the raven flies over Mithras’ head) is given by Codex Nettuno, f. 156 (cf. Windsor Castle Library, vol. 175 No. 11405). Finally two volumes with paintings are preserved at Holkham Hall, which also contains the painting discussed here (Holk., II, 36).

In the centre Mithras in diadem, radiate crown and nimbus is slaying the bull, represented as a sea-animal, whereas the god himself has the appearance of Europa. The bull is sitting on his hind-legs and his fore-legs are lifted. The serpent is creeping to the left. Behind the scene stand Cautes, cross-legged, dressed in a long cloak only and in a Phrygian cap. On the other side a naked figure in long hair and beard lies on the ground. In his left hand he holds an oar over his shoulder and with his r.h. he empties a vessel of water (Oceanus). In the clouds over his head Sol is seen, with radiate crown on his head, in a quadriga. He raises both hands and holds a globe in his l.h. A little black bird (raven?) behind him.

CIMRM II 337

Casa di Tito i.e. Baths of Trajan.