DESCRIPTION

No M 0l
London, British Museum 615
Bronze Etruscan Mirror from Preneste

Zeus is seated on a throne. He is represented with the head in profile to the right, the body almost facing, to the same scale as the surrounding standing figures. The feet rest on a footstool. The right arm is raised, the hand grasping a thunderbolt. The left forearm is extended obliquely downward, the hand with extended fingers. The god has a luxuriant beard and wears his long hair loose, with a band. His dress consists of a himation, which covers the left arm. His Etruscan name is inscribed: TINIA.

Athena is represented emerging from the head of Zeus, head in profile to the right, the body almost facing. Her dress consists of a peplos. She wears a helmet, carries a shield on the left arm and holds a spear in the right hand. She is winged. Her Etruscan name is inscribed: MENERVA.

There is one goddess on each side of the picture. On the right stands a goddess, the right hand put on Zeus' head, the left hand put on his shoulder. She is winged. Her Etruscan name is inscribed: ETHAUSVA. On the left side stands a goddess, the right hand holding the end of Zeus' hairband, the left arm extended horizontally forward with palm turned outward and extended fingers. She is winged. Her Etruscan name is inscribed: THANR.

The throne has turned legs. The throne is backless.

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