On the southern and northern sides of the
ovoid peristyle
, there are two symmetrical quarters, each composed of three small but refined rooms.
The rooms are entered from the
xystus
that surrounds the atrium, connecting on one side the entrance to the
triapsidal triclinium
and, on the opposite side, a monumental
apsidal niche
, probably a scenic
nymphaeum
.
The rooms might have been used to welcome guests as rest rooms or be dedicated to private meetings, or a place to rest during the walks that took place in the xystus.
The theme linked to the Dionysian series can be found in some of the rooms of the Villa del Casale, linked to mythological scenes or generic depictions; some representations show the harvest cycle.
One of these scenes, which decorates the mosaic floor of these rooms, is characterised by grape-harvesting
cherubs
intent on transporting and pressing the grapes.
The composition represents two carts full of grapes which are pulled by a pair of oxen towards the centre of the landscape.
Inside a band decorated with branches and vine shoots, there are some cherubs dressed with short tunics decorated with
stripes
and
orbs
.
In another field you can see the figure of a cherub pouring must into a vessel.
The whole scene is reminiscent of the rites of the grape harvest, and a rustic building can be seen in the background the pressing of the grapes is carried out by three naked putti.
Other cherubs are dedicated to transporting the harvest from the fields.
