🎨Art History I – Prehistory to Middle Ages Unit 11 – Etruscan Art: Sculpture and Architecture

Historical Context and Timeline

• Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE
• Etruscans were known for their advanced urban planning, agriculture, and trade
• Etruscan culture was at its peak during the Orientalizing period (7th-6th century BCE) characterized by increased trade and cultural exchange with the Greeks and Near East
• During the Archaic period (6th-5th century BCE), Etruscan art and architecture became more distinctively Etruscan, with less foreign influence
• The Classical period (5th-4th century BCE) saw further refinement of Etruscan artistic styles and techniques
• Etruscan power and influence declined in the 4th-3rd century BCE due to internal struggles and Roman expansion, leading to the gradual absorption of Etruscan culture into Roman society

Key Characteristics of Etruscan Art

• Etruscan art is characterized by its naturalistic and expressive style, depicting human figures with a sense of movement and emotion
• Etruscans were skilled in various artistic media, including sculpture, painting, metalwork, and ceramics
• Etruscan art often depicted religious and mythological themes, as well as scenes from daily life and funerary contexts
• Etruscan artists were influenced by Greek and Near Eastern artistic traditions but developed their own distinctive style over time
• Etruscan art is known for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and use of symbolic motifs (animals, plants, and geometric patterns)
• Etruscan art often served a functional purpose, such as decorating temples, tombs, and everyday objects

Etruscan Sculpture Techniques and Materials

• Etruscans were skilled in various sculpture techniques, including carving, casting, and modeling
• Stone sculpture was common, with artists using local materials like limestone, sandstone, and volcanic tuff
  • Pietra fetida, a type of limestone with a strong odor, was often used for Etruscan sarcophagi and urns
• Terracotta was widely used for sculptural decoration of temples and other buildings
  • Terracotta sculptures were often painted in bright colors and used to decorate roof edges (antefixes) and pediments
• Bronze casting was a highly developed art form in Etruria, used for creating statues, figurines, and decorative objects
  • Lost-wax casting technique allowed for the creation of hollow bronze sculptures
• Wooden sculptures were also produced, although few have survived due to the perishable nature of the material

Famous Etruscan Sculptures

• Apollo of Veii (6th century BCE): A life-sized terracotta statue depicting the Greek god Apollo, found at the Portonaccio Temple in Veii
• Sarcophagus of the Spouses (6th century BCE): A terracotta sarcophagus depicting a reclining married couple, found in the Banditaccia Necropolis in Cerveteri
• Capitoline Wolf (5th century BCE): A bronze sculpture depicting a wolf suckling the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus
• Chimera of Arezzo (4th century BCE): A bronze sculpture depicting a mythical creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and a serpent tail
• Mars of Todi (4th century BCE): A life-sized bronze statue of the Etruscan god of war, found in Todi

Etruscan Architectural Styles

• Etruscan architecture was characterized by its use of local materials, such as wood, mud brick, and stone
• Etruscan temples were typically built on a high podium with a deep front porch supported by columns
  • The layout of Etruscan temples differed from Greek temples, with a tripartite cella (inner sanctuary) and a large open porch
• Etruscan cities were well-planned, with a grid-like street system and a central public space (forum)
• Etruscan tombs were often elaborate structures, reflecting the importance of the afterlife in Etruscan religion
  • Tumulus tombs were large, circular mounds covering underground burial chambers
  • Rock-cut tombs were carved directly into the rock face and often featured multiple chambers and decorative elements
• Etruscan houses were typically built around a central courtyard (atrium) with rooms arranged around it
  • The atrium served as a light well and a space for collecting rainwater

Notable Etruscan Buildings and Structures

• Portonaccio Temple at Veii (6th century BCE): A large terracotta temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva, featuring elaborate sculptural decoration
• Banditaccia Necropolis at Cerveteri (6th-2nd century BCE): A vast Etruscan cemetery with thousands of tombs, including tumuli and rock-cut tombs
• Tomb of the Reliefs at Cerveteri (4th century BCE): A rock-cut tomb featuring intricate relief carvings depicting everyday objects and scenes from Etruscan life
• Tomb of the Leopards at Tarquinia (5th century BCE): A painted tomb with frescoes depicting banquet scenes and leopards, showcasing Etruscan wall painting techniques
• Arch of Augustus at Perugia (3rd century BCE): A stone arch gate marking the entrance to the Etruscan city of Perugia, later incorporated into the Roman city walls

Symbolism and Mythology in Etruscan Art

• Etruscan art often depicted scenes from Greek mythology, adapted to Etruscan religious beliefs and practices
• Etruscan gods and goddesses were often portrayed in art, with attributes and symbols reflecting their roles and powers
  • Tinia, the Etruscan equivalent of Zeus, was often depicted holding a thunderbolt
  • Uni, the Etruscan equivalent of Hera, was often shown wearing a goatskin cloak and holding a pomegranate
• Animals held symbolic significance in Etruscan art, often representing deities or serving as guardians
  • Lions were associated with power and nobility
  • Dolphins were symbols of safe passage to the afterlife
• Mirrors and other personal objects were often decorated with mythological scenes and symbolic motifs, reflecting Etruscan beliefs and values
• Funerary art, such as sarcophagi and tomb paintings, often depicted scenes from the deceased's life, as well as symbolic representations of the journey to the afterlife

Influence on Roman Art and Architecture

• As Rome expanded its territory and absorbed Etruscan cities, Etruscan artistic and architectural traditions were incorporated into Roman culture
• Etruscan influence can be seen in early Roman temple architecture, with the adoption of the high podium and deep front porch
• Roman sculpture, particularly in the Republican period, was heavily influenced by Etruscan styles and techniques
  • The Capitoline Wolf, an iconic symbol of Rome, is believed to be of Etruscan origin
• Etruscan expertise in bronze casting and terracotta production was passed on to Roman artisans
• Roman wall painting, particularly in the Second and Third Pompeian Styles, drew inspiration from Etruscan frescoes and decorative motifs
• The Etruscan practice of building elaborate tombs and funerary monuments influenced Roman funerary customs and architecture
  • The Tomb of the Scipios in Rome, dating to the 3rd century BCE, reflects Etruscan tomb design