Last evening in the Fogg Art Museum, Professor Morgan lectured before the Classical Club on "The House of Vettius, the latest Pompeilan Excavation."

This house, excavated in 1895, received its name from the fact that it was found to contain two seals, bearing the name of Vettius. In the year 79 A. D., when Pompeii was buried, the house was over 160 years old, but had lately been redecorated. A typical Roman house of the time from Nero to Vespasian, it was much more elaborate than was usual at that period. Behind the "atrium," or living room, is found a large court or peristyle, from which opened various small rooms and the large dining room. The latter is more a picture gallery than a room designed for ordinary use. The "atrium" also is surrounded by various smaller rooms, and is supplemented by another atrium and a kitchen.

In the peristyle are eighteen Corinthian pillars and many statues, both large and small, besides various tables, fountains and the like. It is much the most interesting part of the house.

The chief value of the pictures found rests not in their artistic merit, but in the idea which they give of the method in which artists of the time treated their subjects. They were painted in the impressionistic style. Here are found two distinct kinds of pictures, those dealing with occurrences of everyday life and those treating mythological subjects.

In the former the men are represented by Cupids and the women by Psyches.

Owing to the short time that has elapsed since its excavation, the house and its contents have not yet become thoroughly known; but it is hoped that in a short time everything connected with it may be satisfactorily explained.