The Etruscans in the Modern Imagination

The Etruscans were an Italian empire before the Greeks and Romans,but their civilization disappeared after the last Etruscan augur served the Romans in 408 CE. Sam Solecki's book chronicles their unexpected return to intellectual and cultural history,beginning with eighteenth-century scholars,collectors,and archaeologists. It explores the Etruscans' influence on philosophy,literature,music,history,mythology,and the plastic arts,and how ideas about them can serve as a reflection or foil to a particular cultural moment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Modern Imagination, by Sam Solecki, explores the enigmatic and fascinating revival of the Etruscan civilization, which thrived before the Greeks and Romans. Despite being labeled as superstitious and decadent by the Greeks and Romans, the Etruscans have gained renewed interest in modern times. This revival has manifested in various fields, including philosophy, literature, music, history, mythology, and the plastic arts.

The Etruscans left behind a rich cultural legacy, including their distinctive wooden temples, intricate bronze statues, and intricate writings. However, by the beginning of the Christian era, their civilization had vanished, leaving only ruins, tombs, art, and vases as remnants.

The Etruscans' resurrection in modern imagination is a testament to their enduring influence. Scholars, collectors, and archaeologists have worked tirelessly to uncover and interpret their artifacts, shedding light on their way of life and cultural practices. Solecki's book explores the ways in which the Etruscans have been resurrected in contemporary culture, from the works of artists such as Wedgwood, Picasso, Proust, Lawrence, Emily Dickinson, and Anne Carson, who have drawn inspiration from their ancient heritage.

The Etruscans' revival has also provided insights into cultural knowledge and mindsets in different times and places. Their unique language and religion have sparked curiosity and debate among scholars, and their distinctive customs have offered a contrast to modern society. The Etruscans have also been used as a reflection or foil to a particular cultural moment, allowing artists to explore and critique societal norms and values.

Furthermore, the creative alchemy whereby artists turn to the past for the raw materials of contemporary creation is a testament to the enduring power of the Etruscans. The revival of their culture has inspired artists to explore new artistic possibilities and push the boundaries of what is possible in the visual and performing arts.

In conclusion, the Etruscans are a cultural curiosity because of their disputed origin, unique language, and distinctive religion and customs. However, their destination is no less worthy of our curiosity. The revival of the Etruscan civilization in modern imagination has provided insights into cultural knowledge, mindsets, and creative alchemy, and has demonstrated the enduring influence of this ancient civilization.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228014638