Etruscan Art

Title: Temple of Minerva

Date: 510-500

Material: mud brick and wood

Location: Veil, Italy

Form: Temple raised on podium, Deep porch places doorway away from steps

Function: Temple dedicated to goddess Minerva

Context: Three doors and tri-divided interior represent three gods. Inspired by Greek architecture, but contain Tuscan capitals, unfluted, further spaced columns, and pediments that lack sculptures

Title: Tomb of the Triclinium

Date: 480-470

Material: tufa and fresco

Location: Tarquinia, Italy

Form: Men painted darker than women, Checkered pattern on ceiling may symbolize time and/or may reflect patterns on tents used for funeral banquets

Function: Painted tomb in an Etruscan necropolis

Content: Dancing figures are depicted playing music and celebrating to honor the deceased’s life. Trees and shrubbery are depicted, indicating a rural context

Context: Depicts the ancient custom of reclining while eating at a triclinium (ancient Roman dining table). Paintings indicate a high value on community, nature, and celebration of life/the afterlife.

Title: Sarcophagus of the Spouses

Date: 520

Material: Terra cotta

Location: Rome

Form: Bodies almost in twisted perspective, heavy detail on upper bodies with broad shoulders and knotted hair. Anatomical details are simple

Function: Sarcophagus of married couple, whose ashes were placed inside

Content: Both once held objects, perhaps eggs to symbolize the afterlife. Couples recline against wine skins, alluding to sharing wine at funeral rituals.

Title: Apollo from the Veil

Artist: Master Sculptor Vulca

Date: 510

Material: Terra Cotta

Location: Rome

Form: Reflects Archaic Greek influence: Figure strides spiritedly forward, with an archaic smile. Has tight garments and knotted hair. Designed to be seen from below

Context: Stood as one of four sculptures mounted on the roof line of the temple at Veil. Depicts a scene from Greek mythology- Apollo is looking directly at Hercules