August Mau

August Mau was a prominent German art historian and archaeologist known for his groundbreaking work on the Roman paintings of Pompeii. Born in Kiel, he pursued Classical Philology at the University of Kiel and the University of Bonn before relocating to Rome in 1872 for health reasons. In Rome, he served as Secretary to the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, where he catalogued the institute's extensive library and focused his research on the well-preserved wall paintings and inscriptions of Pompeii, which had been buried under volcanic ash since the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Mau's most significant contribution to art history was his classification of Pompeian wall paintings into what are now known as the four Pompeian Styles. This classification system, which he developed by building upon the earlier works of Wolfgang Helbig and Giuseppe Fiorelli, remains a fundamental framework for understanding Roman decorative art. Mau's meticulous studies not only enhanced the appreciation of Roman art but also influenced subsequent archaeological research, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the field of art history and archaeology.