Sarcophagus of the Spouses

Flaminio, Parioli, Villa Borghese

Sarcophagus of the Spouses
This is one of the most famous pieces of etruscan art. It is an enormous burial urn and for its size and shape retains the name sarcophagus while actually holding the ashes of a husband and wife. It was found in Cerveteri along with a similar piece, today kept at the Louvre. The work is highly influenced by Ionic art and shows the couple embracing while semi-reclining on a triclium.