Details
Since the publication of a catalogue of Etruscan stone sarcophagi compiled by R Herbig in 1952, more examples have been discovered and more opinions about their interpretation have been viced. This study presents a detailed and up-to-date assessment of 148 Etruscan stone sarcophagi dating to between c.350 and c.200 BC. Van der Meer examines their chronology, find-spots, the status, age and length of the deceased, and the meaning of the iconography both painted and in relief on the sarcophagi. He links an apparent shift from mythological scenes on many of the earlier examples to non-mythological scenes, not with a process of Romanisation, but with political changes. Arguing that the regional political situation had a profound influence on patrons, painters and sculptors, he examines how this impacted on the iconography and symbolism expressed.