One might think that that "great" decorating idea is ours alone. We might be the first to suggest a particular subject matter with an unusual color palette for a chosen still life, portrait or landscape painting. Perhaps this idea could start a completely new positive trend within our circle. However, it can safely be said that it has all been done before.

Throughout history it has been documented that early civilizations had an interest in beautifying their surroundings. The Egyptian, Minoan, Roman culture all had one thing in common, to bring beauty into their environment.

For thousands of years Egyptian artisans were required to follow a particular state style that regulated all official sculptures and paintings. Even with these limitations these ancient artisans hand decorated the Pharaoh's burial chamber with breathtaking beauty using still life paintings of everyday objects in the hope that these wall murals would guide the deceased through the afterlife for eternity. Landscapes painted in ancient Egypt depict hunting scenes set in the delta of the River Nile, with emphasis on the reeds along the river bed, human and animal figures.

In the first century A.D. the Roman elite of Pompeii and Herculaneum had no state regulations that enforced and limited artistic expression.

They did however continue the tradition of requesting artists to depict everyday themes that would now embellish the areas of the living rather than the dead. Both the villas of Boscoreale, a private residence, and Boscotrecase the country residence of the emperor Augustus are located north of Pompeii. Found on these locations are examples of frescos that had been painted on the walls of dining rooms, bedrooms and baths. Evidence remains of an ancient brothel in the Roman resort of Pompeii painted with colorful explicit graffiti. Still life depicting fruit bowls and vases are found on wall paintings in Pompeii.

Also, unlike the current artists of today, ancients were limited with a color palette that had been used to create their masterpieces. For, these pigments had to be hand ground from nature's resources. It might be noted that paint was not the only medium used for artistic expression, for mosaics were brought to their zenith during this period in Roman history.

Modern civilization has progressed in their choice of artistic representation, along with the how, where and on what it is to be rendered. For, today the available surfaces on which to decorate are endless. Our choices for creative expression are vast and only limited to our imagination. Unlike the artisans of ancient civilizations, the artisans of today can paint the landscape, portrait or still life. Traditionally, portraits were commissioned by the rich and the powerful with themselves as the subject. Today, middle class families prefer to capture the spirit of their children and pets.

The color palette today is unlimited; far exceeding nature's own and upon any stationary or portable surface; thus, offering the art connoisseur endless possibilities. Consequently, creating something totally unique and special that is a welcome addition not only to our homes but adding to the richness of our lives and well being as well.

 The Art Historian