- chapter 56: Landscape and illusionism –
strip. Below the frieze, a dado, variously decorated or consisting of a monochrome fi eld,
separates the ground from the main action. In the Tomb of the Lionesses (circa 520 bc,
Fig. 56.2) the lowest (dado) zone represents the wavy sea with leaping dolphins and
blue birds above. A straight thin red line of the cord impression, used in planning the
composition, runs along the top of the waves.^15
The Greek story of the Ambush of Troilus by Achilles decorates the back wall of
the main chamber of the Tomb of the Bulls (circa 530 bc) at Tarquinia. The scene is
familiar in black fi gure Greek vase paintings.^16 (Fig. 56.3) The Etruscan artist provides
a fresh and lively rendering of the event. The scene adheres to the basic elements of the
story as depicted on Greek vases, but Troilus’ sister, Polyxena, has been omitted. The
necessary prop, the large fountain with recumbent lion spouts dominates the center of the
composition. On the left lurks Achilles, knife raised in his left hand, ready to strike. On
the right, water fl ows from the lion spout into a basin as Troilus approaches on the back
of a large reddish-beige horse. The artist obviously started with the horse, had a bit of
Figure 56.2 Tarquinia. Tomb of the Lionesses, rear wall. Image courtesy of the Soprintendenza per i
Beni Archeologici dell’Etruria Meridionale.Figure 56.3 Tarquinia, Tomb of the Bulls: detail of rear wall: Achilles and Troilus. Image courtesy of
the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici dell’Etruria Meridionale.