Statuette of a Woman c. 4th century

This statuette of a woman was made in ancient Etruria from bronze. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and the Etruscans were masters of metalworking. This little figure was likely created using the lost-wax casting method, a skilled tradition where a wax model is made, encased in clay, then melted out to leave a cavity for molten bronze. Once cooled, the clay is broken away to reveal the sculpture. The inherent qualities of bronze – its durability, weight, and ability to capture fine detail – allowed the Etruscans to produce intricate votive offerings like this one. The corrosion of the bronze gives the figure its distinctive green patina, a result of centuries of interaction with the earth. This statuette underscores the deep connection between material, process, and culture, reminding us that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical significance.