Aulus Metellus, Essay Example

The statue of Aulus Metellus also referred to as “The Orator” or “L’Arringatore,” is a piece of Bronze art dating back around 100 B.C. It was discovered in 1566 at a close proximity to Lake Trasimene in Sanguineto. It is a representation of Aulus Metellus who was a master and a magistrate of the Etruscan language i.e. a holder of one of the public offices, or in other words, a roman-appointed official. The inscription of the statue i.e. in Etruscan, it’s location i.e. Etruscan territory, it’s workmanship i.e. Etruscan, in addition to the name of the subject i.e. Aulus Metellus which is a Latin rendition of an Etruscan name, Aule Metele;  all draw attention to Etruscan origins (Dubrulle). However, Aulus Metellus holds a roman office and puts on a roman costume. In unison, this piece of art possesses a roman character that is different from Greek works that had enthused Etruscan art (Dubrulle). The statue was placed by the sons of the deceased Aulus Metellus, as a votive souvenir in his remembrance as pledged.

It was made in the Etruscan civilization. The sculpture belonging to the Roman Republic era was inclined to the art they got in Greece except the fact that this one had their own twist. Romans worshipped their ancestors. They adored their departed family members and had death sculptures and masks made of them and hence availing a room for the past generations to go on participating in a number of ceremonies. This brought about the desire to render more realistic portraits.

The Aulus metellus’s bronze statue is life-sized. The man is represented as standing in a manner suggesting that he is addressing a multitude. He is wearing sturdy leather boots, this is an interesting feature since goddesses and gods were at all times depicted as barefooted, and in later times we notice that Augustus was also sculpted barefoot. The exception case in the statue for Aulus Metellus, acts as a hint of his deification i.e. the high position that he held in the society. In addition, it symbolizes Roman authority i.e. power to colonize and rule other nations (Etruscan).

Works Cited

“Archeological Museum-Bronze Masterpieces.” FirenzeViva.com. 04 Feb. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006. <http://www.firenzeviva.com/SS_Annunziata/archeological_museum_bronze_masterpieces.htm>

“Art of the Roman Republic.” Substantive Readings. O2 Jan 2009. 20 March 2009 < http://kbagdanov.wordpress.com/2009/03/>

Dubrulle, Hugh. History 01: The origin of the western tradition.02 Sept. 2002. 14 Dec. 2002. <http://www.anselm.edu/academic/history/hdubrulle/WesternCiv1/text/generalinfo/galler          y/gallery50.htm>

“Etruscan Civilization.” MSN. 17 Apr. 2009. 02 Jun. 2009 < http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761578572/Etruscan_Civilization.html>