Etruscan Art

Before Rome ruled Italy, the Etruscans were shaping its art, architecture, and cultural identity. In this episode of Armchair Art Share, we explore the vibrant world of Etruscan art—from humble Villanovan urns to joyful tomb paintings, expressive terracotta sculpture, and richly detailed sarcophagi.

We’ll trace Etruscan art through its major periods—Villanovan, Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic—and examine what makes it distinct from Greek art: its warmth, movement, emotion, and focus on everyday life and the afterlife. Along the way, you’ll see how the Etruscans blended local traditions with influences from Greece and the Near East to create something uniquely their own.

Whether you’re new to art history or looking to deepen your understanding of ancient Italy, this episode reveals how Etruscan creativity helped lay the foundation for Roman art and culture.