Bronze

Ancient Greece, Ancient Etruria, and Greek Hellenism Art

By Jonathan Lopez Francisco
  • Period: 900 BCE to 27 BCE

    Etruscan Art (Ancient Etruria)

    Burial rites, and religious symbolism that influenced early Roman art, Etruscan artists were masters of terracotta and bronze sculpture, wall painting, and architectural ornamentation.
  • Etruscan, Terracotta vase in the shape of a cockerel, ca. 650–600 BCE, Terracotta; bucchero, H. 4 1/16 in. (10.31 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City
    650 BCE

    Etruscan, Terracotta vase in the shape of a cockerel, ca. 650–600 BCE, Terracotta; bucchero, H. 4 1/16 in. (10.31 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City

    A small vase with twenty-six letters of the Etruscan alphabet inscribed on it. It's speculated that it could have been a container for ink. The head serves as a stopper and be connected to the bird’s body by a cord, the absent tail curved downwards, acting as a third foot. Hemingway, Colette, and Seán Hemingway. “Terracotta vase in the shape of a cockerel.” metmuseum.org, The Met, 1 October 2004, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/2 51482. Accessed 14 October 2025.
  • Period: 600 BCE to 480 BCE

    Archaic Period Art

    Greek artists laid the groundwork for Archaic and Classical Greek painting by quickly incorporating foreign styles and themes into new depictions of their own mythology and traditions.
  • Etruscan, Bronze statuette of a young woman, late 6th century BCE, Bronze, 11 3/4 × 3 7/8 × 2 5/8 in. (29.8 × 9.8 × 6.7 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art. NY
    550 BCE

    Etruscan, Bronze statuette of a young woman, late 6th century BCE, Bronze, 11 3/4 × 3 7/8 × 2 5/8 in. (29.8 × 9.8 × 6.7 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art. NY

    Hemingway, Colette, and Séan Hemingway. “Bronze statuette of a young woman.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met, 1 October 2004, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/249222. Accessed 14 October 2025.
  • Period: 480 BCE to 450 BCE

    Early Classical Art

    transition from archaic stiffness to a more realistic and naturalistic depiction of the human form. Large eyes, pouty lips, serious expressions, and realistic anatomy was seen more.
  • Period: 450 BCE to 400 BCE

    High Classical Art

    A period and style during which Early Classical shapes became less rigid and more realistic (although still highly idealized), many of which were depicted in bronze.
  • Period: 400 BCE to 323 BCE

    Late Classical Art

    distinguished by its shift from the calm idealism of the High Classical era and its move toward more humanistic and personalized depictions. The appearance of the first female naked sculptures, an emphasis on realism in portraiture, and emotional expressiveness are characteristics of this new style.
  • Period: 323 BCE to 31 BCE

    Greek Hellenism Art

    Known for its dramatic movement, emotional intensity, and increased realism. It covered a greater variety of topics, such as genre scenes from daily life, depicting gods and heroes.