The Tom of Leopards
The Tom of Leopards is perhaps among the earliest sacred spaces that depart from works of its period. More specifically because dynamism and the motion of the main characters, in addition to the arrangement of characters, which in themselves tell a story. In regards to lines, the images possess a combination of both vertical and diagonal lines depending on the significance of the character in that particular scene.
The Tomb of Leopards
The Tomb of Leopards found in Monterozzi, Italy is dated around the years 480 and 470 BCE. The elaborate pictorial representations in the tomb perhaps outline an ancient belief in life after death. The tom is rectangular, measuring 3 meters by 4 meters by 2.5 meters with paintings depicting different scenes (Sygic travel). Besides, the ceiling's structure is polychrome in nature with chequered board patterns. Additionally, the column comprises images in concentric circles which symbolizes time. The fronton section is devoid of mensola and replaced by a minor olive tree, and a leopard at each side. Moreover, the fresco uses only two colors.
Central Wall
Additionally, the central wall depicts three clines, each illustrating matrimony- that is depicting both the man and the woman (Sygic travel). This element contrasts, Greek custom of excluding females from significant banquets. The central cline is covered in clothing, showing tow people banqueting, perhaps the relatives of the dead person looking in the direction of a servant carrying a wine jug. Below the cline is a series of small bushes giving the impression of a rural set up in which the funeral banquet is happening. The couple staged in the left side of the cline appear in deep conversation with little attention to what the other mourners are doing.
Right Wall
Further, the man shown on the right side of the cline offers what appears as a large egg to a woman. The oval-like objects symbolize the after-life, and everybody wears crowns of laurel depicting a festive season (Harrison 2590). The right wall characterizes scenes showing musicians and dancers participating in what looks like a choreography. Also, the dancers wear light clothing tebennas that do not affect their movements. One of the dancers appears carrying caranthos. Next, another individual looks with a double flute or aulos- visible tubes. Then another player with a lyre or testudo follows.
Left Wall
On the left wall, one of the servants in charge of the banquet has a klix with his left hand, and on the right side, he carries an oninochoe. A dancer appears next to him with a can throw together with an olive tree with plenty of fruits. On the other hand, the olive tree's leaves are in shades of light and dark green respectively. Perhaps, to create an impression of wind blowing (Harris 68). The other servant carries a kylix while the third one has a stretched ladle- used in mixing wine and water. The last servant has a fan, perhaps used in ventilation or blowing fire.
In Summary
In summary, the Tom of Leopards in addition to giving a pictorial view of events enables viewers to have an in-depth understanding through various scenes. The tomb tells its own story throughout generations.
Works Cited
Harris, Susanna. "From the parochial to the universal: Comparing cloth cultures in the Bronze Age." European Journal of Archaeology 15.1 (2012): 61-97.
Harrison, Adrian Paul. "Animals in the Etruscan household and environment." Etruscan World. Taylor & Francis, 2013. 2595-2656.
Sygic travel. 2018. www.mysteriousetruscans.com/tarleop.html. Accessed 22 June 2018.
