The Chimera of Arezzo is regarded as the best example of ancient Etruscan art. The British art historian David Ekserdjian described the sculpture as "one of the most arresting of all animal sculptures and the supreme masterpiece of Etruscan bronze-casting". Made entirely of bronze and measuring 78.5 cm high with a length of 129 cm, it was found alongside a small collection of other bronze statues in Arezzo, an ancient Etruscan and Roman city in Tuscany. The statue was originally part of a larger sculptural group representing a fight between a chimera and the Greek hero Bellerophon. This sculpture is likely to have been created as a votive offering to the Etruscan god Tinia and is held by the National Archaeological Museum, Florence.
Chimera of Arezzo
Image: Chimera d'arezzo, fi, 05
Image: Chimera d'arezzo, fi, 07
Image: Chimera d'arezzo, fi, 01
Etruscan art was produced by the Etruscan civilization in central Italy between the 10th and 1st centuries BC. From around 750 BC it was heavily influenced by Greek art, which was imported by the Etruscans, but always retained distinct characteristics. Particularly strong in this tradition were figurative sculpture in terracotta, wall-painting and metalworking especially in bronze. Jewellery and engraved gems of high quality were produced.
Bronze cista handle with Sleep and Death Carrying off the Slain Sarpedon, 400–380 BC, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland.
Fragments from a temple pediment group in terracotta, late period, National Archaeological Museum, Florence.
Cista depicting a Dionysian Revel and Perseus with Medusa's Head from Praeneste, 4th century BC. The complex engraved images are hard to see here. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
Relief mirror-back with "Herekele" (Hercules) seizing Mlacuch (500–475 BC)
