Historically and culturally occurring between the great empires of Greece and Rome, the Etruscans were an enigmatic people, with their own language and culture. Powerful, wealthy and refined, they grew rich from trade with the Celtic world and their southern Greek neighbours. This week at Catawiki, we have some incredible items from Etruscan civilization for auction.
Written by Wim van Stormbroek - expert Archeological Find & Remains
Tantalizing tombs
Etruscan civilization emerges as an independent culture +/- 800 B.C. Etruscan tombs are famous for the large painted terracotta figures of husband and wife, dressed in their finery and reclining on couches as if at an eternal banquet. It is the predecessor of the kings, queens and knights of Europe of the Middle Ages, depicted in eternal repose on their elaborately carved mausoleums.
The Etruscan Enigma
Etruscan language is one of the enigmas of the ancient world that remains only partially understood. Like many of its neighbours, the Etruscan civilization was finally eclipsed by Rome after 700 years, around 100 B.C.
This auction features carefully selected examples of Etruscan art. Here are some of the top items.
1. A life size Terracotta Etruscan Foot
Life size naturalistic votive foot on a base, carefully modelled like the mausoleum figures.
2. A diminutive rare terracotta statuette of Etruscan wrestlers
Two well-muscled wrestlers standing on a roundel. Just 8cm in height, ca 5th century B.C.
3. Etruscan vessels such as the Bucchero Kyathos
Deep bowl with flared lip decorated with an incised zig-zag band.
4. A rare, bronze Kyathos
Elegant kyathos, waisted cylinder form with collar rim, hammered from one piece, handle attached
5. A painted terracotta stemmed patera belonging to the Genucilla Group
Terracotta stemmed patera decorated with a border of spiral hooks surrounding a cruciform design.
Are you interested in buying or selling items like these? The Wider ancient world is of course also made available to the collector through antiquities from the Roman, Luristan and Egyptian cultures amongst others. Keep an eye on our Archaeological Finds & Remains auction or register as a seller.