Temples, Tombs, and Etruscan Treasures: From Tuscany to Dallas

The exhibition From the Temple and the Tomb at the Mead ows Museum is precisely what it claims to be in its own sub title, Etruscan Treasures from Tuscany. Its 348 objects?mostly from the collection of Florence's National Archaeological Museum, the exhibition's co-organizer?provide evidence of Etruscan civilization during the 900 years from the begin ning of the Villanovan period (ca. 1000 B.C.E.) to the end of the Etrusco-Roman period (ca. 100 B.C.E.). They range from objects of daily life found among grave goods to stunning works of delicate gold jewelry and sculpture (in terracotta, stone, and bronze) of high quality and even to a magnificent architectural pediment from a temple. While some pieces possess largely archaeological and historical value, others ought to be considered works of fine art. Several renowned objects, such as the "Mater Matuta," a cinerary sculpture of a female figure holding a child,1 the Brolio group, large bronze statuettes of three warriors and a woman that once