Etruscan Museum Lecture Notes

Overview of Etruscan Culture

• Etruscan tombs are primary sources of knowledge about Etruscan culture.
• No Etruscan literature or written history exists; artwork and inscriptions in tombs provide insight into their civilization.

The Sarcophagus of the Spouses

• Two versions exist: one in the Louvre, Paris, and the other in the Etruscan Museum, Rome.
• Large ceramic sarcophagus with two figures forming a lid.

Historical Context

• Etruscans occupied northern Italy.
• Time of coexistence with early Romans and Greek colonies in southern Italy.
• Etruscan kings ruled Rome until 509 BC.
• The sarcophagus predates the ousting of the last Etruscan king.

Artistic Features

• Lifelike representation of a couple.
• Contrast with contemporary Greek Kouros figures which are stiff and isolated.
• Etruscan figures show intimacy and interaction, unlike the solitary Greek figures.

Material and Technique

• Made from terracotta clay, whereas Greeks used marble and bronze.
• Modeled as a complete object and likely burnished to shine.
• Fired in pieces due to size constraints of kilns.

Symbolism and Interpretation

• Outstretched arms likely held objects related to a banquet.
• Possible symbols include a perfume bottle or pomegranate (eternal life symbol).

Social Aspects

• Reflects sociability akin to Greek banqueting scenes, but with male and female figures together.
• Not intended as portraits; features are stylized, similar to the archaic smile.

Discovery and Conservation

• Found in Banditaccia necropolis at Cerveteri, an important Etruscan city.
• Originally broken into 400 pieces, later reassembled.
• Observations of conservator work: filled-in areas and original sculpture pieces distinguishable.
• Hollow pupils suggest original inlay.

Conclusion

• The Sarcophagus of the Spouses is a crucial artifact, providing insight into Etruscan culture through its art and symbolism.