Similar to most other ancient civilizations, the Etruscans were also preoccupied with the mysteries of death and afterlife, though in negative parlance. This firm belief of Etruria was portrayed through art and therefore, largely Etruscan Art is 'Funerary Art.' This art quite lacked the elaboration and the finesse of 'Monumental Art,' which is directed at ennobling or immortalizing a culture's historical events or civic ceremonies such as in the Greek and Roman Civilizations. Certain Greek Archaic and the eastern world artistry considerably inspired the art of Etruria. Though, Etruscan Art is said to in turn, have a significant influence over the Roman art & architecture, however, as not much is known about Etruscans, it is difficult to point out all the artistic details and the dimensions of impact.
Amidst the several expressions of Etruscan Art, the forts, buildings, temples, and tombs, yield an insight into the architectural evolution of ancient Etruria over time. Etruscans used stones for foundations and employed light materials, such as wood, rubble, and unbaked bricks, for the rest of the building. Etruscans were also one of the very few ancient civilizations, which laid out cities, availing grid plans, a technique imitated later by the Romans.
Most of the Etruscan artifacts were created in the purview of their requirement and utility in their personal lives, or for religious purposes. The sculptures and statues of this region carry Greek influence and exhibit similar excitement and energy. Etruscan life-size sculpting was done mostly with clay & terracotta, such as "Sacrophagus of the Spouses" (sixth century BC), "Apollo of Veii" (520-50 BCE). Some sculptures, like "Chimera of Arezzo," (400 BC), "Capitoline Wolf" (500-480 BC), "Brutus," and "The Orator" (second century BC) however, were crafted out of bronze metal.
Etruscan Art proliferated to painting too, which is considered more "Pre-Roman" in essence. Several masterpieces were excavated from various tombs & graves of Etruria, especially the "Tomb of Lioness" at Tarquinia. The murals depicted settings from everyday life, mythology, and the funeral rites. They even covered occasional events and portrayed people, banqueting & dancing in bright and typically animated colors. The wall frescoes were generally painted in the two-dimensional style and several 'Realistic' terra-cotta portraits were found in tombs, carved out of soft volcanic rocks. The metal works were evidenced from the bronze engravings for mirror frames. The Etruscans were also adept at their "Black Bucchero Pottery," which included relief decorations. In fact, Etruscans were the masters of potter's wheel.
Etruscan Art does not reverberate any primary drift in the history of art. Though, most of the artifacts excavated, lack any kind of creative innovation, they however, do demonstrate their own motivation & spirit, an attribute most ancient civilizations shared.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki-art.com