"Things Which Never Are, Nor Can Be, Nor Have Been"

Take a glimpse into the imagination of Zeus and the Olympians

Comments (0) By Julia Ramey Thursday, Feb 14 2008

Anyone with a passing knowledge of the ancient Roman gods knows that the Roman imagination liberally mixed the mythical with the real. The ornamental decoration of Roman mosaics and frescoes reflected this, with curlicues turning into creatures and people with animals for body parts.

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Today's lecture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, "Things Which Never Are, Nor Can Be, Nor Have Been," looks at the artistic imagery that was prevalent in the era and shows how it reappeared in art throughout history. Presented by Dr. Tacey Rosolowski, an independent lecturer, and pegged to the museum's upcoming exhibit "Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption," the lecture will also show how the Romans' fantastical leanings continue to infuse the art, literature and even commercial products of today. 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org. $3.50 to $7.
Sat., Feb. 16, 1:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 17, 4 p.m., 2008