Across the history of art, representations of smiling figures prove to be far less common than serious expressions. In difference to our modern inclination to smile for the camera, artists and patrons in antiquity and pre-modern Europe most often opted for portrayals that emphasized intellectual, political, or religious authority through features variously stern, pensive, and commanding. The ancient Archaic period, however, was a notable exception to this general tendency, and this ancient Etruscan funerary sculpture pictured here is one of the most famous examples of smiling in Western Art. Designed to serve as part of the couple's burial complex, the sculpture shows the pair not only alive but also actively engaged with one another as they recline on a bed. Some questions to consider: How would you describe the expressions on their faces? How are they portrayed differently from the sculptures of Egyptian ruling couples that we discussed last week? And what features of the two figures seems especially significant/interesting to you?
These two sculptures differ from the Egyptian pair just by their interaction. In this artwork, these two statues are engaged with one another. They are in the same position, but because they are depicted showing much more movement the statue looks more naturally fluid which gives the appearance that they are much more relaxed. This aura of serenity is also depicted i their facial expressions. Both of them are smiling widely, but because their contour lines on the face are rather angular the two figures still give off a regal aura. Both of them have broad shoulders which add to the sense of regality. They have distinct features so that we can individualize the king and the queen not just by a headdress. The women is much more paler in comparison to the man, and is also more petite.
ReplyDeletenice observations about the figures' shared features and posture!
DeleteThe couple's facial expressions and postures appear relaxed and content as opposed to the regal, faraway stares and unnatural bodies common in the Egyptian statues we studied last week. For example, in the statues of Menkaure and his wife there is a degree of interaction in her hands clutching his torso and forearm, but in these Etruscan figures there is a greater level of intimacy and comfort. The couple is lying together, and the wife leans slightly into her husband as his arm rests on her shoulder. Still, their broad shoulders and the frontal view of the top halves of their bodies shows regality and poise. Though the figures' postures are unnatural, the softness in their expressions and skin-on-skin contact make the overall image appear more lifelike and humanistic. I find it interesting that in the second photo, it appears that the woman is subtly leaning into her husband, as opposed to sitting rigidly and showing her husband's dominance through distance. Though it is apparent that she is depicted to depend on him, it is done in a much more loving and natural way than through complete subservience.
ReplyDeleteintimacy is a good word for describing the interaction between these figures, and the point about how their relationship appears subtly different from different angles is well-observed
DeleteThe facial expressions of the couple evokes a congenial that emanates from their smiles. Their smiles light up their faces in way that makes the couple feel very companionable. The curves of their face also add to this "warmth", as the curves only make the sculpted figures feel more alive and not so rigid. The couple is intertwined with one another as they recline on the bed. This contrasts the sculptures of ruling Egyptian couples discussed last week, because this couple conveys much more "love" between themselves. The Egyptian couples were very rigid with their muscles tensed usually by their sides while this couple is relaxed in an intimate manner lying in a bed. The Egyptian couple also had a combination of specific and generalized features; it is easy to see in this couple, a greater effort to differentiate the facial features. Something interesting about this couple is that their hands are reaching out with their fingers curved as if they are holding something. The textbook mentions that this was probably a symbol of eternity. I find it intriguing that the couple is holding whatever they may have been holding out, almost as if they were offering it up to someone else.
ReplyDeletegood point about the hands -- the symbol of eternity was most likely a torch to light their way in the next life, as we discussed in class
DeleteWhile the couple's facial expressions are still somewhat unnatural, the smiles make them seem much more alive and realistic than the statue of Menkaure and his wife. Their stiff postures keep them looking solemn and regal, but the change in facial expression gives them much more emotion.
ReplyDeleteyes, the significance of the change in expression is crucial here
DeleteI think I would describe the couples' facial expressions as "content." They look more at ease and casual compared to the Egyptian sculptures we looked at in class; They do not look like rulers who are one step away from being divine. I am struck most by how casual they are. Their reclined positions already makes them less rigid and formal than the Egyptian sculptures, and, on top of that, they have more open and naturalistic hand positions and gestures. Their open hands make them look more relaxed, and when this is combined with their facial expressions, it looks like they could have been having a conversation.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely, the conversational feel of the couple's interaction is very palpable!
DeleteBoth figures have a tender smile on their faces, unlike the expressions on the sculptures of Egyptian ruling couples. Their facial expressions and postures are relaxed and alive. These features contrast with the unnatural and rigid poses of the Egyptian figures. The couple here is presented as a lively, animated couple. They are interacting with each other, and they have a great level of body contact. Their skin looks smooth and natural. From their expressions and posture, the viewer can feel the warmth between them. One thing that I noticed about the two figures is that their fingers are curved as if they are holding something in their hands. According to Janson’s History of Art, the couple might once hold a cup or a perfume container in their hands. Another thing that I noticed is that there seem to be more details on their upper body than on their legs. I think this might be done because the sculptor is trying to emphasize the upper portion of their body and allowing the viewer to focus on their gestures and body contact with each other.
ReplyDeletevery subtle point about the difference between the upper and lower bodies of the figures! the couple's position reclining on a bed could also be understood to represent them between life and death, their still lower halves evoking the sense of eternal repose while their upper bodies and heads suggest their enduring presence among the living.
DeleteAfter studying the facial expressions of the figures, I would say they convey a sense of comfort and security through their gentle smiles and the tender expression around their eyes. The eyes especially give the figures a sense of quiet happiness, while the gentle smiles tell the viewer that the figures are content with where they are at. Not only is this sense of comfort shown by the facial expressions but by the body language as well. The reclined position of the figures shows that they are relaxed and the emotional closeness of the couple is evident through they way she is leaning into him. This level of comfort and closeness is even stronger when compared to the Egyptian art, where the figures seem very emotionally distant even if they are physically touching. The facial expressions and body language of the Egyptian figures are rigid and upright, while the stretched-out legs and reclined position of these figures directly contrasts to show a sense of intimacy and comfort. The feature of these figures that stuck out to me the most was the hands, which are open and almost seem to be reaching for something. The hands suggest movement which gives the figures life and makes them seem alive.
ReplyDeletegood observation about the relaxed faces and bodies of the figures -- they do indeed seem calm in the face of death
DeleteThe figures both have an Archaic smile characteristic of this time period in art history, and they are interacting more than the statue of Menkaure that we saw last class. The couple in the Etruscan sculpture has a greater sense of vitality, which is the focus instead of on the power of the people represented. In the Egyptian statue of Menkaure and Khamerernebty. The only interaction that the two people have is shown by Menkaure's wife's arm wrapped around him, and they both look through the people who would view the sculpture. There is also a greater sense of equality in the Etruscan sculpture, since there are more obvious differences in the representation on the two genders in the Egyptian sculpture.
ReplyDeleteinteresting point about the greater equality of the figures compared to the Egyptian examples!
DeleteFirst and foremost, the facial expressions on the sculptures' faces and even their postures expresses feelings of relaxation, happiness, and composure. This is in great contrast to Egyptian sculptures. The Egyptians believed passing away to be a form of ritual, that the deceased pharaohs would then have to travel to the underworld and embark on a journey to become to son god, Ra, and hence perhaps their rigid, emotionless, and distant facial expressions. Unlike the Egyptians, Etruscan's seem to have different ideas of afterlife. The sculpture, being a burial piece, sketches us a vague version of their thought in afterlife - Etruscan's afterlife may have been that of carelessness and happiness, where pains such as hunger or misery didn't exist.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely, the conception of the afterlife implied here is quite different -- both for the deceased and in relation to the living who would have seen this sculpture in an Etruscan necropolis
DeleteBoth the man and woman have content and peaceful expressions, unlike the stoic, serious appearance common among many sculptures of Egyptian ruling couples. There is also a subtle lack of symmetry in their faces, giving the figures a more individualistic character than Egyptian sculptures, which often incorporated idealistic and symmetrical features. In addition, the couple is reclining in a bed in relaxed positions, as opposed to the rigid upright or sitting poses of the Egyptians. Certain features of the sculpture draw my attention, including the open gestures of their hands, which seem to invite the viewer in. The man also has his arm draped over the woman's shoulder, demonstrating a dominant yet protective role in their relationship. Their poses and expressions give the sense that even in death, their spirits still live together happily.
ReplyDeleteinteresting observation about the lesser degree of emphasis on symmetry in the couple's faces -- they are definitely less idealized than their Egyptian counterparts
DeleteThe couple in this photo share inviting, warm and peaceful expressions. They appear very noble and approachable. What interests me most about the figures are their outstretched arms and tranquil countenance. The mixture of these two elements coax the viewer in closer. It is as if the artist is trying to draw you in and force you to really contemplate their work. This sculpture sharply contrasts that of Prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret in that the Egyptian sculpture creates a real sense of dominance and authority. The monarchs are seated on high thrones and have bland, almost stern expressions. On the other hand, the Etruscan sculpture appears to be much more about the unity and love of the couple, while Price Rahotep and his wife have no physical or suggested emotional contact what-so-ever. The Egyptian sculpture is much more about reverence, whereas this Etruscan funerary sculpture humanizes the rulers and brings observers closer.
ReplyDeletethis is definitely a far more humanizing approach to representing the deceased and likely reflects the fact that this couple -- while certainly prominent in stature given the elaborate splendor of this tomb -- were not rulers and certainly not considered on the level of the gods (as in Egyptian representations of the pharaohs)
DeleteThe archaic couple's smiling faces are inviting to the viewer, especially with their outstretched hands. Unlike the stiff upright sculpture of Prince Rahotep and His Wife, this couple's merry expression along with their reclined positions show they are relaxed. The archaic sculpture has distinct patterns for the braided hair and ripples for the fabric yet the husband's beard looks smooth. Their faces are very stylized and like the Egyptian couple, though less apparent, the female's face is rounder. The archaic female's bosom is less pronounced than the Egyptian wife's. The archaic couple's contact with one another makes them seem like a real approachable couple. However, because they are stretched out on a day bed (and they had themselves sculpted), their high rank in society is evident.
ReplyDeleteyes, the couple must have been of high rank and social status to commission such an elaborate self-representation on this tomb
DeleteThe contrast between the choppiness of the hands and arms against the fluidity of the fabric is quite interesting and almost shocking. The shadows that they cast upon each other is also visually pleasing and their gentle smiles are calming and peaceful. Although the position the woman is in seems uncomfortable realistically speaking, it doesn't appear that way due to the fact that her smile exudes a feeling of content. Their body position, especially with his arm around her, indicates the potential for movement suggesting a sense of tranquility as well as liveliness. This comes across as even more human and friendly than the Egyptian sculptures which were more stoic and static in comparison. I am surprised to see that the eyes are so lightly suggested while the other facial features (lips and ears) are much more pronounced. Overall, I would describe this sculpture as strong but pleasant.
ReplyDelete-hailey nathel
Deletegood point about the potential for movement conveyed by the entwining arms, which contrasts with the more static nature of the couple's lower bodies
DeleteCompared to the Egyptian ruling couple, the facial expressions of this couple are less stiff. Their facial expression reminds me of the "archaic smile" from the Archaic Period in Ancient Greece. The smile is still idealized. These two people have the exactly same smile. Probably the smile on their faces symbolizes good wishes and happiness of their afterlives. Additionally, as audience, we can easily see the loving gesture between this couple which is also very different from the Egyptian sculpture we looked at. One thing interesting that I notice is that there is still a lack of naturalism in the reclining position of these two sculpting human figures. Additionally, the eyes are still an important part in sculptures. Looking back from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Archaic, almost all sculpting human faces possess a pair of big and idealized eyes.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely, even though the eyes are not as dramatic as those on the Egyptian sculptures (as Hailey notes above), they are still prominent here
DeleteAlthough the expressions of the rulers in the Egyptian and Etruscan sculptures both suggest royalty, they do so in different ways. The Egyptians showed their royalty through intimidation and gave their sculptures a more stern and confident look. These figures would have their chins raised or have one foot in front of the other to assert dominance and show power. For example in the sculpture of Menkaure and his wife, in which they both stand in a strong frontal position. As for the Etruscan one above, the figures appear to be more inviting and play more with the friendly look to emphasize aspects of nobility, kindness and approachability. This expression is enhanced by their body language as the two figures seem comfortable and loving. They are lying intimately which is also different from Prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret for example, where they are just sitting and not interacting with one another.
ReplyDeleteEmilia Epstein
absolutely, the sense of intimacy is one of the most striking aspects of this sculpture, as we discussed in class
DeleteLooking at this Etruscan sarcophagus, I am immediately drawn to the detail in the husband and wife's upper bodies. This sarcophagus has much detail in the draping of the blanket looking object that is covering them. Both the man and the woman look happy with one another, shown through their slight smile, as well as comfortable in their position as depicted atop the sarcophagus. This husband and wife are depicted in more detail then the husband and wife pairs that we have seen earlier. They are also less stiff, show more movement, and are in a more natural position that are more relatable. This position is also much different from the ones we talked about earlier in class, allowing the viewer to be engaged in a different type of way. While looking at this sarcophagus, I noticed that the faces of the mans and woman seem very similar, like they were based off the same base, and then details were added on top of the base to make it seem like the faces are different for the man and the woman.
ReplyDeleteit is certainly true that the eye is drawn here far more to the lively upper half of the figures than their lower halves -- again, suggestive of their position between life and death
DeleteThis Etruscan sculpture really contrasts the Egyptian sculptures we looked at previously. The position of their bodies laying down with the man's arm draped naturally over the woman and their easy going facial expressions show a relaxed, casual representation of a husband and wife as if to remember them after death as the way they lived happily in their everyday lives. In contrast, the Egyptian sculptures showed couples in very stiff positions, which emphasized their power, both in life and death. One thing that really stands out in this sculpture is the positioning of the bodies. It almost looks like the composite paintings, with the feet pointing forward, but the legs a little awkwardly angled, and then a very forward twisted upper torso. They seem to have their attention directed at you, even reaching their hands out to you.
ReplyDeleteinteresting point about how the bodies here appear almost as composite figures -- the negotiation between their upper and lower halves is quite stylized, even if not as dramatic as in the Egyptian reliefs and wall paintings
DeleteThe most dominant feature in this sculpture is the tranquil and peaceful countenance of the man and the woman, who are highly interactive. The body contact between figures demonstrates the intimacy between them and possibly suggests the idea of gender equality. It reflects the pretty high social status of women at that time. In addition, both of the figures have an idealized Archaic smile, which resembles the one on kore and kouros from the Ancient Greek. The man drapes an arm around her shoulders, which is dominant yet protective. The broad shoulders and tender smile on their faces convey authority by giving a sense of relaxation and serenity. On the contrary, the Rahotep and his wife Nofret are sculpted as stern, rigid and lack physical interactions which create the distance between them. The sculpture of Egyptian rulers are made for evoking reverence and showing authority, while the Etruscan one depicts humanized rulers and invites the viewer through open gestures of the figures.
ReplyDeletenice description, but again, there is no reason to assume that this funerary sculpture represents a ruling couple like the Egyptian examples -- they are more likely wealthy Etruscan citizens
DeleteThe smiles on the man and woman in the sculpture make for a more interesting viewing experience. Personally, I want to know more about them and why they're smiling. The smiles and positioning create a sense of intimacy between these figures. This piece is extremely different from the stern faces of the Egyptian statues that we studied last week which emphasize the power of the figures who are the focus of the artwork. The Egyptian statues from last week had little emotion which helped to create their sense of authority. This Etruscan piece is much more relaxed and I'm curious to know what the man is pointing at and what the couple is talking about. I think that this piece leaves more up to the viewers for interpretation because there is more emotion present.
ReplyDeleteNice thought about how this sculpture engages response from the viewer more strongly than the Egyptian examples -- its display within an Etruscan necropolis would have probably allowed it to receive more viewers than the Egyptian examples enclosed within pyramids.
DeleteIn this Etruscan tomb piece, I see a true sense of emotion and feeling from the couple. Both the man and the woman appear rather happy and pleased, seated in a very relaxed and comfortable position. This is in stark contrast to the previous Egyptian rulers we observed, who appeared much more erect and stoic. I particularly am drawn to the hands in the piece. As gestures and body language are a significant portion of communication, I feel drawn into this couple’s story and want to hear them converse with each other. I also noticed the detailing in both his and her hair, full of texture and changes in color. The woman’s shawl is loosely draped over her back, in contrast to the formal attire and accessories we saw in the earlier Egyptian couple.
ReplyDeleteAnother good description that nicely picks up on the implied sound and voices of the figures
DeleteThe expressions on the faces of the man and woman in the Etruscan funerary sculpture strike me as alarmingly calm. Not only do they seem serenely comfortable (lounging together), but their faces undoubtedly appear content; almost in anticipation of something - of seeing old friends, perhaps? Given it is a funerary sculpture, certainly no fear of death is hinted at. The clearest difference, to me, in this piece when compared to the previous Egyptian sculptures is the animation and connection of characters within the narrative of the sculpture. There is a clear, distinct interaction between the two and it is seemingly quite a lovely one. The one feature of this, however, that is a bit offsetting is how they are looking in clearly different directions. Maybe this hints at the presence of a wide and varied audience? Certainly it doesn't detract from their own, positive, interpersonal interaction, but I wonder what the man is pointing at (in the direction of his stare) and what has caught the woman's own regal gaze.
ReplyDeleteyes, the hands and gestures are a bit confusing because of the damage they have suffered, but the wife of the couple was most likely holding an oil lamp to light their joint path to the afterlife
DeleteThe two statues have welcoming facial expressions and poses, yet they still have a regal air about them. However their portrayed superiority is less stark and untouchable and more human and calm. They seem much more relaxed and kind than the images portrayed in earlier art. It is interesting how the statue still follows some patterns seen in earlier Egyptian art (the woman having lighter skin, the man having a bare torso) but is still set apart in its portrayal of the two figures. I feel almost content when I look at this sculpture and see the warm moment between the models captured.
ReplyDeletegood point about the repeated use of varied skin tone to differentiate male and female!
DeletePrior to this post, I had never given much thought to the fact that the faces of statues were more stoic than not. Looking at these images though, and comparing them to other--more serious-looking--statues, I really notice a difference in the tone. It makes sense that this was built for a burial complex because there seems to be much more emotion present. They look slightly less regal, and a bit more relatable. Even though I can't think of the last time I saw my own parents making a similar pose, it's much easier to imagine something alone the lines of this statue than one comprised of more life-less faces showing little to no emotion. Despite the definite pros of showing someone's more emotional side, I can easily imagine why most of the ruling elite may not have wanted this side of them to be commemorated. It's harder to be scared of this man and woman than of one who professes to be a god/the son of a god and claims total control of your life.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, and since this couple was most likely not of regal or ruling status, your observations are very on point!
DeleteI think the depictions of gender relationships is also notable. With Menkaure and his wife, Menkaure appears dominant, extending his foot out further and leaving his wife in the background. With the Etruscan couple, the woman is in the front, and her gaze appears more parallel to the viewer, directly addressing him or her (while the man appears to be gazing far off). This could show her dominance or his desire to protect her. However, the same facial expression is shared by each member of both couples, unifying them to share a common sentiment.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, as we discussed in class, this sculpture is very evocative of gender relationships in the Etruscan world, though defining those precisely is difficult given the lack of additional sources besides these monuments themselves!
DeleteThe smiling expressions and the gestured hands of the man and woman suggest that they are in the middle of a relaxed and lighthearted conversation. Unlike the sculptures of Egyptian ruling couples, this funerary sculpture shows the couple's physical/emotional engagement and intimacy. Additionally, the man and woman share the same space. However, like in the Egyptian sculptures, the man and woman are not making direct eye contact with each other. The positioning of the arms and hands is the most interesting and curious aspect of the sculpture. What are they talking about What are they looking at?
ReplyDeletenice point about how the couple really shares the space of the tomb rather just than standing or sitting side by side -- see discussion above on the arms/hands
DeleteThe expressions of the Etruscan couple are much more relaxed and joyous than the body language of the Egyptian royal couples. In the Egyptian sculptures, the couple shows a powerful stance by standing straight up and seeming stiff. The male shows a protective dominance over his wife with his arm around her, but the two otherwise show no interaction as both are staring straight ahead. In the Etruscan sculpture, the smiles and hand gesture show a much more casual snapshot of a relaxed interaction between the couple. To me, the most interesting part of the sculpture is the woman's hand gestures, as it resembles a Buddhist hand symbol, but it is uncertain as to what her gesture symbolizes.
ReplyDeletefunny, it is almost as if they are posing for a snapshot, though of course, there were no cameras in ancient Etruria!
DeleteThe couple is much more engaged with each other and the viewer than the Egyptian couples. The Egyptian couples were much more rigid and intimidating; however, the Etruscan couple seems approachable. Instead of the couple standing straight and tall, the Etruscan couple is laying down and somewhat slouched. Instead of having a straight face that portrays power, this couple is smiling. I find it interesting that the man has his arms around the woman instead of the other way around. It makes the couple seem more equal because even though the man is bigger and seems more powerful, he is still protecting his wife.
ReplyDeleteyes, this comment affirms observations above about the differing relation of the two genders between the Egyptian and Etruscan examples -- interesting how the same gesture of embrace conveys a very different meaning depending on its agent.
Delete