First Wednesday Art Talk – The Etruscans: from the Heart of Ancient Italy
1400 5th Ave
San Rafael
From the ninth to second centuries BC, Etruscan culture flourished in what is present-day Tuscany, Italy. The Etruscans were a sophisticated, wealthy people who left behind a rich history and traditions reflected in artistic objects found in tombs, temples, sanctuaries, and homes. They made major contributions to Western civilization’s architectural, engineering, and artistic achievements. Yet their culture remains largely unknown, overshadowed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and shrouded in the absence of surviving written Etruscan histories.
Organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy is the first major US exhibition in two decades to focus on this complex culture that significantly influenced the ancient Mediterranean world. Based on the latest archaeological discoveries and the most up-to-date scholarship, the exhibition presents objects renowned for their unparalleled beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. These include remarkable bronze and terracotta vessels and sculptures, opulent gold jewelry, and other treasures on view to the public for the first time.
FAMSF Docent: Gretchen Turner
The Etruscans exhibition runs through September 20 at the Legion of Honor
First Wednesday Art Talks are generously provided by the Friends of the San Rafael Libraries.