ANCIENT ETRUSCAN ART

Theories & Interpretations

• Etruscan culture flourished in central Italy (before the arrival of the Romans) but was heavily influenced by Greek and Mediterranean styles.

• Much of what is known comes from their elaborate tombs which were arranged in necropoli throughout the Italian Tuscany region.

• Poltheistic belief system that included a pantheon of gods similar to but distinct from, the Greek and Roman pantheons.

• The elaborate tombs and burial practices suggest Etruscans believed in a detailed and vivid afterlife, with entire families and servants buried witihn decorated mural fresco tombs.

• Many Roman practices and deities were influenced by the Etruscans.

Style Characteristics

• Tomb paintings depict lively scenes of banquests, dancing, music, sports, and other aspects of daily life

• Figures are typicallly shown in profile but with a more fluid sense of movement

• Colors are vibrant with a limited color palette of reds, yellows, and blacks

• Sarcophagi often feature the deceased recliing in a relaxed pose

• Terracotta was commonly used for large-scale sculptures using a modeled technique rather than carved or subtractive