Etruscan Art

Randy H. Sooknanan

ASAG Journal

May 25, 2020

Ancient Etruscan art is known for its distinctive style and unique characteristics, which set it apart from other ancient art forms. Some hallmarks of Etruscan art include, Terracotta sculpture, an emphasis on realism, the use of bronze in artworks, influence being carried over from other cultures they had interacted with, and scenes of everyday life in Etruscan society.

With Terracotta sculpture,Etruscan art is known for its use of terracotta, a type of fired clay that was commonly used to create figurines, statues, and other sculptural works. Etruscan terracotta sculptures often depict figures in lifelike poses and with detailed facial features. We can also note an emphasis on realism: Etruscan art is characterized by its emphasis on realism and attention to detail. Etruscan artists were skilled at capturing the physical characteristics and expressions of their subjects, creating works that were highly realistic and naturalistic. We can also see the use of bronze features in Etruscan art, for bronze was a metal that was highly valued in ancient times. Etruscan bronze sculptures would often depict warriors and other figures in dynamic poses, with intricate details and decorations. Etruscan art was also influenced by other cultures, including the Greeks and the Romans. Etruscan artists borrowed ideas and techniques from these cultures, but also developed their own unique style and iconography. Finally we see their arts often depicted scenes from everyday life, such as banquets, games, and other social events. These scenes provide a glimpse into the social and cultural customs of the Etruscan people, and showcase the rich and vibrant culture of this ancient civilization. In the end Etruscan art is known for its distinctive style and unique characteristics, including its use of terracotta, emphasis on realism, and influences from other cultures. Etruscan art provides valuable insights into the history and culture of this ancient civilization, and continues to inspire and influence artists and scholars today.

Let's take a look at some examples...

Etruscan art - Bacchus

Bacchus was essentially a copy of the Greek god Dionysus. He was the God of agriculture and wine and the son of Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology). He wandered the earth, showing people how to grow vines and process the grapes for wine. This 22-carat gold Bacchus pendant (Fig 1), created by Castellani , is an example of Etruscan revival jewelry featuring intricate granulation. Castellani was a renowned Italian jeweler in the 19th century, celebrated for reviving ancient craftsmanship techniques in exquisite pieces. Below we see some representations of the deity in bronze works (Fig 2-4).

Fig 1.Etruscan Revivalist Art
Pendant Bachus, Etruscan filigree. Castellani, 1870
https://lobortas.com/en/blog/jewelry-and-watches/archeological-revival-by-fortunato-pio-castellani-part-two-170514

Figures

Etruscan art - Bacchus

Fig 2. Castellani C19th/original C5th BCE millegrain pendants

Credit: The History Girls http://the-history-girls.blogspot.com/2019/01/neo-classical-revivalism-by-elisabeth.html

Fig 3. Pendant necklace in the shape of Acheloos head. Gold. Circa 480 BC. Chiusi. Campana collectio

Tangopaso, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Fig 4. Achelous head. Pendentive of an Etruscan gold necklace, ca. 480 BC

Louvre Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bronze Chariot inlaid with Ivory

—Etruscan, with Greek influence
(2nd quarter of the 6th century BC)

The Figures on the Chariot:

Here we see a chariot bronzed with ivory features (Fig 5-12)The iconography represents a carefully thought-out program. The three major panels of the car depict episodes from the life of Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War. In the magnificent central scene, Achilles, on the right, receives from his mother, Thetis, on the left, a shield and helmet to replace the armor that Achilles had given his friend Patroklos, for combat against the Trojan Hektor. Patroklos was killed, allowing Hektor to take Achilles' armour.

Figures

Bronze Chariot inlaid with Ivory

Fig 5. Monteleone Chariot

The Monteleone Chariot is an Etruscan chariot dated to ca. 530 BC. It was originally uncovered at Monteleone di Spoleto and is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Though about 300 ancient chariots are known to still exist, only six are reasonably complete, and the Monteleone chariot is the best-preserved. Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons