Archaeological Museum of Bologna

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Collections / Sections / Etrusco-Italic collection

Candelabrum with Aeneas and Anchises

The Etruscan bronze candelabra produced between the end of the 6th and the 4th century BC may derive their shape from similar Cypriot objects. They comprised a tripod base, usually with animal feet, and a long rod supporting a pronged crown where candles would be placed. The candelabrum would have a finial in varying designs.
These were luxury items, connected to the symposium which, in line with the Greek rule for drinking wine that the Etruscans applied, could only be celebrated after sunset.

More info

This candelabrum is thought to be an example documented as having been found in Spina, in 1668.
The finial depicts a young warrior, identified as Aeneas during the flight from Troy. He holds his father Anchises, who was struck blind by Aphrodite. This version of the myth is not so famous but it is significantly also to be seen on the Parthenon’s metopes, which highlights the profound influence of Greek – in particular Athenian – artistic culture on the artisan working in the Po Valley. The finial is actually attributed to a Po Valley workshop, either in Spina or Felsina.

Provenance: From Spina, Valle Trebba necropolis. University Collection
Datation: 430–410 BC
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: height cm 54,5
Inventory #: IT 857, IT 1156

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Exhibition rooms | Room VIII - Etrusco-Italic collection