Chapter V: XIV
Moved up from the comments section:
A NSFW image search on “Pompeiian brothel frescoes” will show plenty of examples of the sort of brothel adverts hidden behind the word balloons in the sixth panel. Here’s an article from Der Spiegel about some of the harsh realities of brothels that were less high end (well, middle end) than the one we saw in Herculaneum, and its photo gallery. Felix and the ladies are sitting in some sort of anteroom, so whether their work cubicles are nicely appointed or bleak and miserable has yet to be seen. Iusta might not let Felix ever see.
I leave interpretation of the graffiti as an exercise for the reader 🙂
I’ll post the corrected (there are some wonky bits!) and fully inked version Wednesday afternoon. All fancied-up now.
Work-in-progress version (click to see larger):
persephone had kittens?
I hope not, she’s still a kitten herself, though not so itty bitty anymore 😀
She’ll get another onscreen appearance in a couple of days.
I am pleased to see Felix keeping his promises to friends. The Chinese say when you save a life, you accept a responsibility for it. Felix now has plenty of responsibilities… We’ll see how it works out.
Promises to friends, Romans, women, children, slaves, whores, and tiny animals. He’s a stand-up guy. Surely no one will come along and wreck it all.
Wish I could read the graffiti in the sixth frame.
And those darned word bubbles seem to be covering up the naughty bits of the price list(?)
Those darned word bubbles. A NSFW image search on “Pompeiian brothel frescoes” will show plenty about brothel price lists, though. Here’s an article from Der Spiegel and its photo gallery.
I leave interpretation of the graffiti as an exercise for the reader 🙂
“‘The erotic frescoes in the Lupanare have led to the myth that the brothel was a luxury institution. In fact, the reality behind the brothel’s doors was probably quite drab and sordid.””
Sorry, you haven’t made it drab and sordid enough! Actually, I can feel the prudish Calvinist coming out in Der Spiegel !
Lovely artwork Klio!
Thanks!
Our ladies’ new home will have a few luxurious appointments. Or at least they’ll get decent treatment and fluffy pillows. Sorry, Der Spiegel.
Vibia eh? Very interesting creature, I would like to see more of her.