Etruscan alabaster relief fragment depicting an Amazon

G302

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A fragment from an alabaster funerary urn carved in relief with a depiction of an Amazon warrior. The female fighter is shown with long flowing hair and bare-chested in the Amazonian fashion with a diagonal shoulder-strap to hold her garments covering her legs. Her lower torso is partially covered by a fringed drape or belt.

The eyes of the Amazon face forwards and her arched posture suggests a point of submission, she would probably have held a weapon in her right hand most likely raised in a futile attempt to shield herself from the blows of an advancing warrior.

Mythological battle scenes against barbarians or Amazons were popular depictions on funerary urns of the Hellenistic period in Etruscan Italy.

Culture
Etruscan, c. 3rd Century BC

Size
26.5 x 20.5 cms

Condition
Fragment as shown

Provenance
Ex. private collection, Paris, France; acquired mid to late 20th Century

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