The Ancient Etruscans flourished in the 1,000 years before Christ. They were a highly-advanced people—technologically, artistically, economically and socially. They lived North of Rome, including in what would be considered Tuscany today. The Etruscans became very wealthy thanks to their mining and robust trading throughout the Mediterranean. All this money (and travel) allowed them to experience foreign cultures and purchase exotic artworks which, once imported, began to influence their own artistic culture. The Etruscans had ample access to raw metals and became exceptional metalsmith, especially in copper and bronze. They also were proficient in crafting decorated terracotta works—preferring this earthenware clay to marble. Though they were sitting atop an enviable marble deposit, the Etruscans did not prioritize stone working; It was the Romans who eventually exploited it in later years. The Etruscan civilization eventually was assumed into the larger, dominant Roman civilization.
The Modernist decorated steel tray, shown above, was inspired by Etruscan works more than 2000 years earlier. Sophisticated, concentric graphic bands encircle the tray—while stylized antelopes leap around the center ring. This design, though stylized, shows the influence which the Ancient Greeks (and Ancient Egyptians) had upon Etruscan design. Wealthy Etruscan traders would have collected superb Greek works to bring home as souvenirs. The original Etruscan work, which inspired this tray, would have been enamel decoration atop copper or bronze. This tray is made of steel, printed with the Etruscan-inspired decor—in a sophisticated color palette of copper, black and white. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.