Etruscan Sarcophaguses
Etruscan Sarcophaguses are quite striking and very poetic at first glance, yet disturbing because of their purpose, to encase the dead.
The Etruscans were religious and believed in an afterlife, and they wanted to ensure that their afterlife was just as good as life. To do this they created an elaborate burial cult where decadent urns and coffins were created out of ceramic. These full size coffins, such as the one above, were masterfully created out of earthenware or terra cotta and were known to have spouses sculpted on top. They are usually positioned so that they seem to be reclining at a banquet and enjoying each other’s company
These sculptures are uniquely Etruscan yet have Greek qualities about them, the almond shaped eyes, long braided hair, and smiling faces. The Etruscan qualities include the large contrast between the high relief busts and the flattened legs. What also differentiates this piece as being Etruscan rather than Greek is the fact that is depicts a woman as well as a man at the "banquet." No woman has ever been depicted at a banquet with a man in Greek pottery.
This Etruscan Sarcophagus is striking due to the liveliness of the figures, yet it is unsettling and makes it seem as if the couple is still here with us today, forever lounging.
