Etruscan funerary lion

myminifactory

This lion sits atop a tomb with an inscription that boldly states "This is the final resting place of Nevza Arnth". The Etruscans were a people who flourished in Italy around the same time as the Ancient Greeks and just before the rise of the Roman civilization, leaving behind a vibrant culture and impressive works of art. As expert Massimo Pallottino showcased in his book "The Etruscan Lion", this majestic animal holds a special place within Etruscan society. The lion is frequently depicted in sculpture and seems to have exerted some kind of captivating influence over the Etruscans, who were clearly fascinated by its power and majesty. In fact, one of their most renowned works of art, the Chimaera of Arezzo, features a fearsome creature heavily inspired by the lion's image.