Real and Illusory Architectures in the Pompeian Frescoes

This paper shows the results of a series of graphical experiments conducted as part of a PRIN research project on the ancient architectural perspectives in Campania. The study was undertaken by the Universities of Salerno and Naples. Critically studying the origin, the development and the magnification of the perspective, we try to emphasize the power of this method, that alludes to the space’s three-dimensionality. Particularly, the paper is focused on the frescoes of the Poppaea’s villa, in Oplontis: through rigorous photogrammetric procedures of reverse modelling, which reconstruct their not real architectures, it is possible to clarify the project of illusion, implemented by these paintings. The analysis of its frescoes’ perspective illusions, allows us to reconstruct there presented architectures and the virtual space that they conform. Then, the use of advanced Technologies allows to create an unusual visual experience which, linking the real space and the drawn one, shows the influences between painted and built space