Image Details

Bronze echoing vases or “sounding brass” used as acoustic amplification in Greek and Roman stone amphitheaters, are depicted in this highly stylized mosaic panel from Pompeii. Found in the House of the Tragic Poet, the mosaic represents the rehearsal of a Greek satyr play in front of an Ionic portico hung with oscilla (small round swinging decorative objects) and draped with wreaths and ribbons. The upper portion of the portico’s facade is decorated with three pilasters, a pair of musicians and what are thought to be four bronze echoing vases. Although the artist was correct in associating the sounding brass vases with a dramatic presentation, he did not depict these vases quite accurately. In fact, they were about three feet tall, and were probably arranged in niches behind the audience or across the back of the stage.