A Guide to the Pompeii Statues: Location and Influences

Pompeii statues are the various sculptures and artworks found in the ancient city of Pompeii.

These statues were buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

They were a major part of archaeological discoveries when Pompeii was excavated.

By seeing these statues on your Pompeii visit, you can learn more about the art, culture, and daily lives of the ancient Romans who lived in Pompeii. 

Where are the Statues in Pompeii?

You can see these statues at the archaeological site of Pompeii, located in Naples.

Address: Via Villa dei Misteri, 1, 80045 Pompei, NA, Italy

They are standing at the forum, near the temples and at the House of the Faun.

At the Villa of Mysteries and the Garden of Fugitives, in addition to statues, there are paintings and plaster casts of the victims.

Other than Pompeii, the statues are preserved at different locations, like the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Hermitage Museum and the Louvre Museum in Paris.

What Iconic Statues Are There at Pompeii?

Some of the iconic statues at Pompeii are:

Dancing Faun: 

Location: House of Faun, Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompei, NA, Italy

The statue of the Dancing Faun is located at the House of Faun, one of Pompeii’s largest and most luxurious residences.

A faun is a mythological creature that is part human and part goat.

The statue shows the young faun dancing joyfully with graceful movements and expressions. 

It is made up of white marble and highlights the exceptional skill of the early Roman sculptors.

Venus Genetrix

Location: Temple of Venus, 80045 Pompei, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

The Venus Genetrix Statue is a classic representation of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

You can see her statue at the Temple of Venus, near the Forum.

The marble statue portrays Venus in a graceful pose with flowing drapery, reflecting the admiration of Greek art by the Ancient Romans.

It is believed that the statue was kept in a villa before excavation. Later, it was moved to the Temple of Venus and found there.

Eumachia Statue

Location: Building of Eumachia, Eastern side of the Forum at Pompeii

You can also see the statue of Eumachia, a prominent priestess in Pompeii during the 1st century AD.

She was believed to be the daughter of Lucius Eumachius, a successful brickmaker.

Eumachia was an influential woman in Pompeii who was known for her significant contributions and important role in building the Macellum, a market building.

The statue stands on the eastern side of the forum, which was built by Eumachia herself.

The statue represents Eumachius standing and wearing the traditional garments of a Roman matron, including a stola (a long, flowing dress) and a palla (a draped cloak).

Her attire shows her high social standing and highlights her societal respect and recognition.

It is believed to be made to remember her significant contributions to Pompeian society.

Hermes Statue

Location: House of Faun, Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompei, NA, Italy

The Statue of Hermes, made of bronze, is located at the House of the Faun.

It is dedicated to Hermes, the Greek god of travel, trade, and communication, and is a testament to the influence of Greek tradition on ancient Roman beliefs and art.

This statue shows Hermes in a dynamic pose, highlighting his musculature and indicating his role as a swift messenger. 

Diana of Pompeii

Location: Santuario di Apollo, Via Villa dei Misteri, 4, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy

The Diana of Pompeii is a marble statue dedicated to Diana, the goddess of the hunt in Roman mythology.

Diana is the sister of Apollo, and her statue is located in the Temple of Apollo in Pompeii.

The statue shows Diana’s beauty and strength together.

She is standing in a relaxed pose, with one leg bearing her weight and the other slightly bent. She holds a bow and a quiver of arrows.

Why visit Pompeii Statues?

The statues at Pompeii are not just marble or bronze pieces. They are a gateway to the history of Rome and the ancient Romans. 

Here are the reasons to see these statues:

To See Roman Art:

Pompeii statues truly showcase ancient Roman art and craftsmanship with exceptional details and quality. You can see this in every statue at Pompeii.

Learn about Diverse Cultures and Mythologies: 

The statues in Pompeii feature a wide range of figures, from mythological gods and goddesses like Hermes and Diana to notable local citizens such as Eumachia.

It will help you understand a comprehensive view of Roman society and its cultural values.

To Learn about History: 

These statues let you take a peek at ancient Rome’s daily life and mythology. 

You can also learn more about the Roman civilization and the history of Pompeii and its people.

Admire their Preservation: 

The statues in Pompeii have been remarkably preserved under volcanic ash for centuries.

Later, archaeologists and scientists put much effort into uncovering and maintaining them.

You can learn about their preservation from the archaeologists during the guided tour of Pompeii.

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