In recent decades there has been a growing interest among researchers in the analysis of paintings in terms of their context rather than as expressions of art in and for itself. Therefore the conference focused on figural themes, and to the iconographical and iconological problems of paintings considered in relation to their specific contexts. Which messages images in wall painting, from the archaic to the late-antique period (ca 700 BC-AD 500) conveyed to contemporary viewers in specific contexts and how were they received?