Etruscan Art: The Sarcophagus of the Spouses

1. Historical Context

This exempt group sculpture, known as the Sarcophagus of the Spouses, was carved in 520 BC (sixth century BC). The artist is anonymous and belongs to the Etruscan style. The Etruscan civilization developed in mainland Italy, specifically the region of Tuscany, between the 10th and 1st centuries BC. It had an oriental origin and brought together the cultural and artistic traditions of the civilizations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Etruscan art was deeply marked by religious beliefs, seeking to obey the will of their gods in order not to fall into disgrace. As in Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, the Etruscan people gave great importance to life after death. For this reason, it was usual to perpetuate the memory of the deceased, creating wax masks of the deceased or funeral urns where they kept the ashes.

2. Characteristics of Etruscan Style

Etruscan style is characterized by its hieratic and frontal nature, almond-shaped eyes, an archaic smile, and schematized muscles. Etruscan art was primarily a figurative art form produced by the Etruscan civilization that developed in northern Italy between the ninth century BC. The art that remains is mostly funerary, both in fresco and in sculpture. It is particularly notable for its natural-size terracotta sarcophagi.

3. Description of the Sculpture

The sculpture is made of terracotta (clay). The lid is shaped like a Kline (bed). On the carved bed, there are the reclining figures of a man and a woman in a relaxed and friendly attitude. He is behind the woman, presenting a strong, protective figure; he bears a naked torso and has his hair pulled back tightly in the manner characteristic of the Ionic people. The woman, in the foreground, is wearing a long Greek robe (chiton), pointed shoes, and covers her head with a Phrygian cap from which long braids escape. The eyes of the characters do not cross, but the affectionate relationship between them is transmitted through the gestures of their hands. The man rests his right arm on the woman's shoulder, while his left hand is extended in front of him in an affable attitude, as if waiting for the woman's hand. The work of the two figures is very careful in the upper body, feet, and shoes; in the legs, however, it is very simple. The faces have a clear geometrical profile and hieratic nature, emphasizing the almond-shaped eyes, pointed chin, and stereotypical smile. Small traces of polychrome suggest that the set was painted with very vivid colors.

4. Function and Symbolism

This type of sarcophagus kept the ashes of the deceased, which were deposited on the back once the ritual of incineration was completed. Thus, this work is actually an Etruscan funerary urn. The Etruscan people had great respect for their gods and a great fear of death. To counteract this fear, they believed that the deceased had not died at all, but were still alive in another life within the sepulcher. For this reason, Etruscan tombs used to reproduce the houses of those who died, were decorated with fresco paintings depicting scenes of dancing, banquets, and horses, and deposited manufactured goods and everyday objects destined to accompany the deceased in the other life. It was also the duty of the artist to reproduce as faithfully as possible the facial and body features of the deceased, who was depicted in a usual, placid scene. This sarcophagus is that of a marriage. The spouses are represented celebrating a banquet, chatting in a relaxed manner. The wife takes first place because the Etruscan woman was not marginalized from society, unlike what happened with Greek and Roman women. In Etruscan civilization, women participated actively in public life and attended parties, banquets, dances, and gymnastic games.

5. Comparison with Greek Sculpture

The Kouros of Anavyssos, the Peplos Kore, and the Sarcophagus of the Spouses share the same theme, especially since they are funerary sculptures. However, the Kouros of Anavyssos and the Peplos Kore are votive. The difference is that the Greek sculpture commemorates a victory and the death of the young athlete Kroisos, who died in combat. In contrast, the Roman sculpture represents a married couple in their sarcophagus. There are differences but also similarities in their formal characteristics. The Kouros of Anavyssos and the Peplos Kore are standing, while the Sarcophagus of the Spouses depicts them lying on the bed as if they were at a banquet, talking peacefully. They are also related in terms of their structure, as their features are similar: hieratic, rigid, frontal, with curled hair, almond-shaped eyes, an archaic smile, and schematized muscles in the case of the athlete.