The Women of Pompeii– Part Four

Sometimes matrons in a villa would sit for a portrait of some sort, sometimes in the form of a large cameo—

But normally they would go with frescoes of other male or female figures….

If your wondering about the heads these figures are holding in their hands they are images of comedy or tragedy, i.e. the usual masks suggesting the matron is a patron of the arts.

Below however is a matron sitting for a traditional portrait, and below that a matron practicing the traditional female art of sowing.

It’s hard to tell for sure but this woman seems to be holding a small musical instrument…. or possibly a scroll she is reading, or a piece of cloth she wove.