Ancient Etruscan

Ancient Etruscan sculpture was produced in central Italy between the 10th and 1st centuries BCE by the Etruscan civilization, which predated and deeply influenced Rome. Etruscan artists were master bronzesmiths whose work was exported across the Mediterranean. They also excelled in terracotta, which became their preferred medium due to the lack of local hard stone like marble.

Etruscan sculpture has distinctive features: egg-shaped heads, almond eyes, long noses, and expressive hand gestures. Most surviving works come from tombs, which were packed with sarcophagi and grave goods. The Sarcophagus of the Spouses, showing a reclining couple at a banquet, is one of the most iconic. Our collection includes 3 works at the Art Institute of Chicago.