Etruscan Cinerary Urn - Mid 2nd Century BCE
"This urn, found in a tomb near Chiusi in central Italy, reveals the mastery of the Etruscan
craftsman in molding terra cotta. Modeled in high relief and in the round, the work conveys
emotional pathos and drama. Once painted, it still bears traces of red, blue, vermilion, brown,
and yellow.
The figure of the old man on the top portrays the deceased, whose ashes were contained within
the urn. Propped up on pillows, he reclines as if enjoying a banquet in a conventional pose that
was later copied by the Romans. Characteristic of Etruscan portraiture is the unflinching
naturalism of the wrinkled face and flabby body- specific features that would have identified
the man to friends and family. The six figures engaged in vigorous combat on the front panel of
the base suggest that the deceased was a soldier. On the ends, under the arched entrances to
Hades, wait the dread figures of Vanth, Goddess of the dead, and Charun, escort of the dead.
The latter, winged and wearing a lion skin, owns the hammer that rests on the altar beside him."
-taken from worcesterart.org link below
Charun. |
Charun. |
Vanth. |
Vanth. |
Vanth. |
Source/Quote:
https://www.worcesterart.org/collection/Ancient/1926.19.html
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dandiffendale/7174199204/in/photostream/
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