Ancient Etruria

Much of what is known about Etruscans comes from their tombs, which are arranged in necropoli throughout Tuscany.

Tombs are round structures with a door leading to a large interior chamber that is brightly painted to reflect the interior of an Etruscan home.

These tombs have symbols of Etruscan lifestyles on walls.  Tombs often hold entire families and even their servants.

Little is known about Etruscan temples.  Vitruvius, a Roman architect, wrote about their temples extensively.

Temples inspired by Greek buildings (pediments and columns) with a cella behind the porch.

Temples made of mud brick and not stone.  Sculptures placed on rooftops.

Etruscan painting survives only in funerary context; created on walls and ceilings of tombs.

Brightly painted frescos showing celebrations, dancing, eating, and playing musical instruments.

Greek influence.

Etruscans preferred terra cotta, stucco, and bronze for sculptures.

Terra cotta sculptures were modeled rather than carved.

Works were kiln-fired in large structures - showing technological advancement.

Sculpture demonstrates awareness of Greek Archaic art, however Etruscan figures move more dynamically in space than Greek Archaic kouros.

Etruscans avoided nudity in art.