Julius Caesar, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero all had seaside villas around the Bay of Naples, where they came for rest and relaxation. These richly decorated imperial villas employed artists who also found clients among the urban and suburban elite in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Explore the breadth and richness of cultural and artistic life that thrived around the Bay of Naples before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Outstanding scholars, including exhibition guest curator Carol Mattusch, give illustrated presentations that survey this period of high artistic achievement.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Reliving the Ancient World

The story of the rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum and their impact on early modern society. Richard Mason, lecturer in ancient studies, University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Excavating Anew and Burying Old Ideas

New research about the planning and construction of Pompeii’s Forum, including the organized response to repairing damage from the earthquake of 62 A.D. John Dobbins, director of the Pompeii Forum Project and professor of classical art and archaeology, University of Virginia.

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Pleasure and Pain in Pompeii

Amusements and entertainment; various aspects of private life and public spectacles. Christopher Gregg, professor of art history, George Mason University.

3 to 4:15 p.m. Living the High Life

The arts of wall painting, sculpture, mosaics, jewelry, silverworks, and glass vessels were enjoyed by refined Romans in their sumptuous villas around the Bay of Naples. Carol Mattusch, Mathy Professor of Art History, George Mason University.

The companion book to the exhibition, Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples (Thames and Hudson), is available for signing at the seminar.

CODE: 1J0-521

The exhibition is on view at the National Gallery of Art through March 22.