For the wealthy owners of large villas, enjoying leisure was a primary motivation for living around the Bay of Naples. The facades of many villas were lined with colonnaded walkways with sweeping views of the sea and terraces that connected to private harbors for pleasure boats. Villa interiors were decorated with colorful frescoes and mosaics, whose images often represented mythological scenes, and still lifes celebrating local delicacies, such as shrimp, octopus, and conch. Others, such as the Garden Scene fresco, featured lush landscapes that visually expanded interior spaces. Garden design was an important part of this elegant lifestyle. Villas’ interior and exterior gardens were embellished with aviaries, fountains, and watercourses, as well as marble and.
