\f1 \fs22 From the simple decorations of the first style, imitating wall facings made of blocks and slabs
of marble, there was a gradual shift toward more and more complex and refined compositions, culminating in the large figured scenes and perspective representations of architecture of the second style, the elegant frescoes resembling miniature paintings o
f the third style, and the fantastic and dreamlike architectural figurations of the fourth style. Figurative compositions had a variety of subjects: themes from mythology represented in a realistic manner, along with still lifes, landscapes, scenes from
the theater and gymnasium, and Cupids at play. A recurrent feature of Roman painting was the accurate depiction of the landscape in the background to the main figures.\par
