Interpretatio Etrusca. Greek Myths on Etruscan Mirrors, 1995, 293 p., 109 ill. -

This is the first book in which special attention is paid to the Etruscan interpretation of Greek mythical representations on Etruscan bronze mirrors. The book focuses on representations with inscriptions (c. 480-250 B.C.). These epigraphic scenes raise many questions. Did the engravers and patrons understand Greek myths? Were the engravers inspired by visual, oral or literary sources or by a combination thereof? What was their modus operandi? In which art forms can visual precedents be found? Introductory chapters shed light on the status of Etruscan mirrors, their owners, givers and recipients; furthermore production centres, distribution, the influence of Attic and South Italian red figure vases and the shifting interest in themes are discussed. More than one hundred mirror-representations are analysed in chronological order, according to general themes : lovewrestling, abduction, immortality, healing, purification, divination, rescue, birth, rebirth, adoption, rejuvenation, dilemma, contest, victory, the relationship between mother and sons, couples, toilet, music and suicide.