Final answer:
The Sarcophagus of the Spouses is an Etruscan terracotta sarcophagus from 520 BCE, exemplifying the technical skill of Etruscan artistry. It was discovered in Cerveteri, Italy, and reflects the social elite's burial customs. Similar historical artifacts from the period also demonstrate the rich cultural and artistic traditions of ancient Italy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
The Sarcophagus of the Spouses is an anthropoid terracotta sarcophagus discovered in the Banditaccia necropolis of ancient Caere, present-day Cerveteri, Italy. Dating back to around 520 BCE, this masterwork highlights the technical proficiency of Etruscan artistry during a time when local sources of marble were not readily available. Unlike their Greek contemporaries, who often worked with marble, Etruscans excelled in terracotta works, and the sarcophagus is believed to be a commissioned piece, signifying an elite status.
Several other examples of Etruscan and Roman art and architecture provide context to this period. The Capitoline She-wolf is a magnificent hollow-cast bronze representing Rome's origin story, and other significant sites like the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia demonstrate the distinctive Roman use of concrete in architecture. Moreover, artworks such as the terracotta figures from temple rooftops and the veristic portrayals of Roman patricians reflect the cultural and artistic traditions of the time.
Etruscan tombs, such as those found in the Sorbo necropolis, offer valuable insights into the social hierarchy and customs of ancient Etruscan society. The tomb discovered in 1836 had been undisturbed, allowing archaeologists to study the complex structures and grave goods, further demonstrating the prominence of the individuals buried within.