Wall painting from the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale

This painting, possibly a fresco, portrays an extremely lively scene depicting brilliance at its best. A young woman, seated in a chair, is seen strumming a kithara, a prominent musical instrument from antiquity. This piece of wall art is believed to have been in either a room used for social interaction, similar to a lounge room or a dining room at the villa at Boscoreale. The paintings found in the room all have a similar derivation, the tradition held by Greek civilization known as megalographia, or producing art at large sizes. In this piece, the woman is covered in white and purple clothing, accompanied by bright accessories, such as earrings, bracelets, and a headband. Although many believe she is playing the lyre, the woman is strumming a gilded kithara. In antiquity, this was a popular large instrument utilized by professionals and Apollo. Pressed up against the once vivid red chair, a young girl is seen, wearing entirely a purplish shade. She is also covered with lavish embellishments like the woman, specifically earrings, a bracelet, and once again, a headband. The piece has a portrait quality, as both individuals seem to stare at the viewers. The identity of the subjects in the painting is unknown, but it has been thought that they may possibly represent a Macedonian princess or queen, with her sister or daughter. The numerous details in the piece, including the decorative chair, gilded kithara, and golden adornments, give off an impression of royalty. Overall, the display of life in the Hellenistic age seen here gives historians a better look into how the world was like then. .