This refined panel painting, now housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, depicts an elegant banquet scene featuring a young man, reclining on a triclinium couch, as he raises a rhyton—a drinking vessel shaped like a bull’s horn—from which wine is seen gushing, symbolizing conviviality and pleasure.
Beside him sits a graceful female figure, likely a hetaira (a high-class escort), draped in a heavy garment that covers her legs, while a delicate veil brushes her shoulders and arms, enhancing her sensual allure. To her, a maid is shown in the act of offering a small chest—possibly containing jewels or perfumes.
In the foreground, a tripod table, likely made of wood, takes center stage. Its legs are shaped like lion’s paws, a clear example of the refined craftsmanship of the time. On top of the table, elegant glassware adds further richness to the composition, highlighting the luxurious and intimate atmosphere of Roman banqueting culture.