A Study of the Sarcophagus of the Spouses
While the origins of the Etruscan people are unknown, they appear to historians to have been an indigenous people, possibly coming from Asia Minor. It is impossible to know the exact origins however, as no literature survived. The only written records that remain today are mainly funerary inscriptions. It is the purpose of this paper then, to examine a fundamental piece of funerary art to expand upon the history and culture of a people that inevitably incorporated itself into the Roman Empire.
Known as Tyrrhenians to the Greeks, the Etruscans lived in Etruria between the Arno and Tiber rivers of Italy in what is now known as Tuscany (Who Were the Etruscans?). The economy was based on agriculture, trade with Carthage and the Greeks, and mining mineral resources. Around 700 BC, between the Arno …show more content…
The woman is dressed in attire representative of wealth and aristocracy. The rounded faces and the stylistic hairstyles show characteristics of an Ionian influence, most likely that of the Greek towns of Minor Asia. The posing of the limbs, outstretched and seemingly animated along with the long, angular joints better reflect the elements and characteristics that are uniquely Etruscan.
Today this artwork is one of only two of its kind. The Sarcophagus of the Spouses “conveys a great deal of information about Etruscan culture and its customs” (Khan Academy) and further demonstrates the funerary customs of Etruscan society. In conclusion and in the opinion of the author, this piece is an excellent representation of the unique characteristics that are identifiably Etruscan in nature, providing in depth knowledge about Etruscan customs, funerary beliefs, and the community that built the foundations of the Roman
While the origins of the Etruscan people are unknown, they appear to historians to have been an indigenous people, possibly coming from Asia Minor. It is impossible to know the exact origins however, as no literature survived. The only written records that remain today are mainly funerary inscriptions. It is the purpose of this paper then, to examine a fundamental piece of funerary art to expand upon the history and culture of a people that inevitably incorporated itself into the Roman Empire.
Known as Tyrrhenians to the Greeks, the Etruscans lived in Etruria between the Arno and Tiber rivers of Italy in what is now known as Tuscany (Who Were the Etruscans?). The economy was based on agriculture, trade with Carthage and the Greeks, and mining mineral resources. Around 700 BC, between the Arno …show more content…
The woman is dressed in attire representative of wealth and aristocracy. The rounded faces and the stylistic hairstyles show characteristics of an Ionian influence, most likely that of the Greek towns of Minor Asia. The posing of the limbs, outstretched and seemingly animated along with the long, angular joints better reflect the elements and characteristics that are uniquely Etruscan.
Today this artwork is one of only two of its kind. The Sarcophagus of the Spouses “conveys a great deal of information about Etruscan culture and its customs” (Khan Academy) and further demonstrates the funerary customs of Etruscan society. In conclusion and in the opinion of the author, this piece is an excellent representation of the unique characteristics that are identifiably Etruscan in nature, providing in depth knowledge about Etruscan customs, funerary beliefs, and the community that built the foundations of the Roman