Unknown artist, Etruscan

Rectangular bronze reliefs such as this were commonly used to decorate the flat, vertical edges of furniture such as couches, benches, and tables. They may also have adorned wooden doors or vehicles. This Etruscan relief shows mounted warriors marching to battle, spurred on by the musician blowing his horn in the center. The relief presents a unique blend of forms; the shields and helmets are from disparate areas of Greece, while the horn and the piece itself are Etruscan. The artist’s incorporation of elements from such diverse forms evidences the strong influence of Greek art in Etruria.