11.1 Etruscan Funerary Art: Sarcophagi and Tomb Paintings

Etruscan funerary art was all about the afterlife journey. It showed banquet scenes, mythological stories, and daily life activities. The art mixed local beliefs with Greek influences, creating a unique style that emphasized joy and abundance in the afterlife.

Etruscans used various materials for their sarcophagi and tomb paintings. Terracotta, local stone, and imported marble were popular for sarcophagi. Tomb paintings used natural pigments on plaster, with fresco and secco techniques creating vibrant, detailed scenes.

Etruscan Funerary Art: Symbolism and Techniques

Symbolism in Etruscan funerary art

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• Journey to the afterlife depicted through scenes of deceased's travels and mythological figures (Charun, Vanth) guiding souls
• Banquet scenes represented feasts in afterlife symbolized eternal abundance and pleasure
• Mythological narratives adapted Greek myths (Trojan War) to Etruscan context and included local legends
• Protective deities and spirits featured apotropaic figures (Gorgons) and guardian creatures (sphinxes, chimeras) warded off evil
• Daily life scenes portrayed activities deceased enjoyed (hunting, music) and depicted family members showcased social status

Etruscan vs other ancient funerary styles

• Etruscan vs Egyptian: Etruscan art emphasized joyful afterlife while Egyptian focused on judgment, Etruscans used bright colors vs Egyptian symbolic color schemes
• Etruscan vs Greek: Etruscans adopted and adapted Greek mythological scenes (Odyssey), preferred narrative scenes while Greeks focused on individual figures
• Etruscan vs Roman: Early Roman sarcophagi designs influenced by Etruscan art, Romans later shifted towards more realistic portraiture
• Unique Etruscan characteristics included emphasis on couples in sarcophagi designs (Sarcophagus of the Spouses) and integration of local beliefs in artistic representations

Role of art in Etruscan afterlife beliefs

• Social and cultural importance displayed wealth and status preserved family lineage and achievements
• Religious beliefs portrayed concept of joyful afterlife emphasized importance of proper burial rituals
• Historical documentation provided insights into Etruscan daily life and customs evidenced trade and cultural exchanges (Greek influences)
• Artistic evolution reflected changing styles and influences over time developed unique Etruscan artistic identity

Materials of Etruscan sarcophagi and paintings

• Sarcophagi materials: terracotta (clay), local stone (nenfro, peperino, alabaster), imported marble in later periods
• Sarcophagi creation techniques:
  1. Molding and firing for terracotta
  2. Carving and sculpting for stone
  3. Use of high and low relief for detailed ornamentation
• Tomb painting materials: natural pigments (ochre, carbon black, iron oxides), lime-based plaster as ground
• Tomb painting techniques:
  1. Fresco painted on wet plaster
  2. Secco painted on dry plaster
  3. Outlining and color filling methods for intricate designs
• Tools used: chisels and hammers for stone carving, brushes and styluses for painting, molds for terracotta production