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Etruscan chimera, 4th century BC
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Etruscan chimera, 4th century BC
Etruscan chimera. Bronze ornament depicting the Chimera, dating from around 400 BC during the Etruscan era in what is now Italy. The Chimera was a three-headed monster from Greek mythology. It had the head and body of a lion, with the head of a goat attached to the middle of its body, and a snake or dragon head at its rear. It was killed by the Greek hero Bellerophon. The creature is here shown with a fatal wound to the goat head, with blood on its neck. The snake head is seizing one of the horns of the goat head. This bronze object, which is 80 centimetres high, was originally a votive offering to the Etruscan god Tinia. It was discovered in Arezzo in 1553, and became a symbol of Medici power. It is now in the National Archaeological Museum, Florence, Italy
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Media ID 6367567
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
5th Century Bc Afraid Aggression Aggressive Alloy Anger Angry Anxiety Anxious Archaeological Archaeology Archeology Bleeding Bronze Chimera Classical Creature Crouching Dying Etruscan Fear Fearful Florence Frightened Frustrated Goat Heads History Of Art Italian Italy Lion Metal Monster Museum Mutant Mythical Mythological Mythology National Archaeological Museum Offering Ornament Rage Religion Religious Roaring Snake Statue Stress Stressed Symbol Symbolic Terrified Terror 400s Bc Arezzo Chimaera Hissing Medici Three Headed Tinia Votive
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This print showcases the remarkable Etruscan chimera, a bronze ornament dating back to the 4th century BC during the Etruscan era in Italy. The chimera, derived from Greek mythology, was a fearsome three-headed monster that met its demise at the hands of the legendary Greek hero Bellerophon. In this image, we witness the creature with a fatal wound on its goat head, blood staining its neck. The snake head fiercely clutches one of the horns of the goat head, capturing an intense moment frozen in time. Originally crafted as a votive offering to Tinia, an Etruscan god, this 80-centimeter-high bronze object was discovered in Arezzo in 1553 and later became an emblematic symbol of Medici power. Today it resides within Florence's National Archaeological Museum where it continues to captivate visitors with its mythical allure. The photograph captures not only the aggressive nature and striking appearance of this mythological beast but also evokes emotions such as anxiety and fear through its crouched posture and roaring expression. It serves as a testament to both ancient religious beliefs and historical artistry while providing insight into European history. With intricate details highlighting each individual head – lion, goat, and serpent – this image invites viewers into a world where mythology intertwines with reality. A true masterpiece preserved for generations to come.
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