Roman Fresco Shard: Woman on Balcony – Second Style Wall Art Print

This fresco shard captures a peaceful moment of everyday life from ancient Rome. A young wahine stands on a balcony, sipping from a shallow cup while steadying a jug on the railing beside her. Her loose-fitting tunic and matching pale green cap hint at casual, everyday wear rather than something fancy. The architectural backdrop creates a real sense of depth, typical of the Second Style Roman wall paintings from the first century. We reckon this piece shows off the Romans’ skill with trompe-l'oeil, or ‘trick of the eye’, techniques. The wide bands of black and red framing the scene would have linked up with other painted panels across the whole wall, crafting an immersive space. Dating back to around 10 BCE to 14 CE, this fragment probably decorated a triclinium (dining room) where guests could enjoy these homely scenes while tucking into their kai. The woman’s identity is still a bit of a mystery, but her presence brings a touch of human warmth to what was once a grand architectural illusion.