- chapter 52: The Etruscan painted pottery –
First generation: 630–600 bcThe most valuable artistic productions seem to be created in the fi rst phase: the amphora
was inspired by Corinthian models, initially of the Transitional period and then properly
Corinthian, whose infl ux into Etruria lasted until the mid-sixth century bc. At the end of
the third quarter of the seventh century bc, thanks to the infl uence of massive importing of
Corinthian pottery, in Vulci and Caere, Etrusco-Corinthian black-fi gure pottery was born.
In the early period the production of Caere includes the Polychrome Group (the Mount
Abatone Cycle) and the miniature black-fi gure style of the Scale Group of large amphorae
(630–580 bc). At Veii we have the Castellani Painter (630–620 bc), who produces aryballoi
of Late Proto-Corinthian type, decorated in miniature style. At Vulci the Bearded Sphinx
Painter was active (630–600 bc) (Fig. 52.9), the fi rst great fi gure of Etrusco-Corinthian vase-
painting, who, according to Szilágyi, would move from Vulci to Caere. At Vulci the Swallows
Painter^19 was also active (620–610 bc), a follower of the Eastern Greek “Wild Goat Style.”
Second generation: 600–580 bcAt this time the best synthesis between the Etruscan and the Corinthian spirit was reached;
among the shapes of vases, the accessories of the banquet predominate. At Vulci the masters
of the second generation are mainly the Feoli Painter, the leader of the school, the Pescia
Romana Painter, the Painter of Boehlau, the Volunteer Painter, the St. Louis Painter. In
Tarquinia another center of production is formed, more provincial and dedicated to mass
production (Vitelleschi Painter, attributed by Szilágyi to the third generation).
Third generation: 580–550 bcThe decorative motifs are repetitive and the production, which is low-quality from an
artistic point of view, becomes routine (containers for perfumes are also produced). The
predilection for certain shapes shows the change of the social classes interested in these
vessels. The Painter of Hercle, the Painter of Large Rosettes (Fig. 52.10), the Painter
Figure 52.9 Etrusco-Corinthian oinochoe by the Bearded Sphinx Painter, Pitigliano tomb 26, last
quarter of the seventh century bc. University of Pennsylvania Museum MS 642,
image no.152662. Turfa 2005: no. 189.