Etruscan Art
Background:
Before being overthrown by the Romans, the Etruscans were the 'kings' of Italy and the European. The Etruscan period has vast amounts of influence upon the culture, civilization, and art of Ancient Rome, seen all the way from chariot racing to hydraulic technology. In fact, even after the Romans took over the Etruscans, they still cherished Etruscan culture and rulers.
Because no Etruscan literature has survived, the only information we have about them is from what others have written, and most Etruscan art comes from burials and tombs, as they placed a large emphasis on the afterlife.
Etruscan
Tomb of the Triclinium
Form: Subterranean rock cut chambers, stiff figures, painted in fresco, genre scene, "archaic vibe"
Content: Single tomb surrounded by wall painting, figures dancing, checkerboard pattern on ceiling, both animals and humans depicted
Context: Named after Roman triclinium, advanced Iron Age culture, tombs were the only remains after Roman destroyed everything else, believed in lives being similar in the afterlife, funerals were celebrated
Function: large part of funerary rituals, held lots of goods for afterlife, represented wealthy & elite
Etruscan
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
Form: anthropoid - human shaped, 6 ft 7 in, painted terracotta
Content: stylized - godlike, Etruscan style of pointed toes, abstract beard, incorporation of Greek and Egyptian style, showcases symbiotic relationship between man & woman
Context: found in tomb in Etruscan city of Caere, around Archaic Greek period - connected city states and same style shifts
Function: typical custom of elite - status of wealth, held the bodies (casket like)
Etruscan
Temple of Minerva
Form: tufa foundation, mud brick and wood up above, half of temple outside (more inclusive), tuscan columns (simple, similar to doric style)
Content: very open (open to all), elitist ideals not represented in temples & architecture, sculptures on roof, welcoming spirit reflected by openness
Context: non existing - only know about it from writing & literature, showcases how Etruscan temples would have looked
Function: place of worship for Etruscan gods
Etruscan
Sculpture of Apollo (Apulu)
Form: archaic smile, definite gaze, awkward movement forward - contrast between stylization and movement, vibrant contrasting colors
Content: wind depicted as symbol - going past him, decorative and stiff drapery (not naturalistic), depicts Apollo (Etruscan - Apulu), headdress lined with gold, hair knotted & twisted into knobs
Context: statues placed on top of buildings (this one on Temple of Minerva) - Etruscans introduced this
Function: depicting scene of gods, for all to see and worship