LOT 0045

Large Etruscan Architectural Plaque with Bulls

6TH CENTURY B.C.

19 1/2 in. (4.66 kg, 50 cm).

For a temple pediment (sima), comprising a curved upper band with polychrome tongue-shaped grooves, a relief depicting a procession of bulls below, the bulls depicted in a dynamic pose with curving necks and raised tails, the horns painted in black; two attachment holes.

Acquired on the European art market between 1960s-1980s.
Property of a gentleman.
with Bertolami Fine Arts Ltd, Auction 66, no.1.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12162-218594.

Cf. Torelli, M., Gli Etruschi, Cinisello Balsamo, 2000, p.597 (Campana Plaques), for similar architectural examples; Wikander, O., 'The Archaic and Etruscan Sima' in De Puma, D., Penny Small, J., Murlo and the Etruscans, Art and Society in Ancient Etruria, London, 1994, pp.47-63, figs.48-49-50; see also Etruscan painted terracotta revetment plaques with chariot processions and running dogs from the Vigna Marini-Vitalini urban sanctuary, Caere, inv.no. HIN 29-30.

Terracotta plaques like this sima were used in the pediments of temples (Minerva at Veii, Portonaccio Sanctuary, 540-530 BC), or decorated the architecture of tombs. The procession of the bulls recalls the style of painting on a similar slab with a procession of hunting dogs, probably from Caere.