Description
| ITEM | Amphora |
| MATERIAL | Pottery |
| CULTURE | Etrusco-Corinthian |
| PERIOD | 7th – 6th Century B.C |
| DIMENSIONS | 418 mm x 270 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition, repaired |
| PROVENANCE | Ex European private collection, Ex H.A.C. Kunst der Antike (1984), Ex German private collection, Dr. Kurt Deppert, Frankfurt (1978 – 1983) |
The Etrusco-Corinthian amphora is a ceramic vessel that reflects the cultural exchange between the Etruscans of central Italy and the Greek world, particularly Corinth, during the Orientalizing period (circa 720–575 BCE). These amphorae were heavily influenced by imported Corinthian pottery, both in form and decoration, but produced locally by Etruscan artisans. They typically feature a bulbous body, narrow neck, and twin vertical handles, designed to store and transport liquids such as wine or oil.
Etrusco-Corinthian amphorae are decorated in the black-figure technique, a style originally developed in Corinth around the 7th century BCE. The vessels often display bands of decoration divided into horizontal registers, filled with lively representations of animals, mythological creatures, and geometric patterns. These motifs were drawn from Eastern (Near Eastern and Egyptian) models and adapted to local tastes, giving rise to a distinct visual language that blends Greek formality with Etruscan expressiveness.
A key feature of these amphorae is their dense and symmetrical ornamentation, where lions, sphinxes, sirens, and panthers appear in repetitive sequences, sometimes separated by rosettes or stylized plants. While clearly borrowing from Greek prototypes, Etrusco-Corinthian pieces often exhibit a more ornamental and less narrative approach, prioritizing rhythmic design over storytelling. This stylistic choice aligns with broader Etruscan preferences for surface decoration and symbolic content.
