Humanities West in San Francisco invited Dr. Carpino to speak at their 2020 series Etruscan Italy: Life and Afterlife. An internationally recognized expert in Etruscan art, Dr. Carpino will present “Quintessentially Etruscan: Art and Architecture from the Villanovan to the Etrusco-Roman Period” on February 29, 2020. Her talk will explore how analysis of Etruscan art reveals a remarkable Mediterranean culture. From the 9th century on, Etruscan and immigrant artists and craftsmen created temples, tombs, vases, jewelry and more for individuals eager to communicate statements about their wealth, families, beliefs and traditions. While foreign influences are undeniable, Etruscan art stands out for its sophisticated mastery of terracotta and metal, its vividly expressive style and its memorable content, which includes both local stories and tales from the Hellenic repertoire rarely if ever visualized in the classical world.
Dr. Alexandra Carpino (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is a Professor of Art History at Northern Arizona University and past editor-in-chief of Etruscan Studies (2011-2014). Much of her research focuses on the iconography of Etruscan mirrors, including themes such as gender stereotypes, images of violence and the representations of families. Her publications include Discs of Splendor: The Relief Mirrors of the Etruscans (2003), A Companion to the Etruscans (co-edited, 2016) and articles and book chapters on funerary archaeology and portraiture. She promotes awareness of the Etruscans through a study-abroad program in Siena (Italy) and her work with the AIA’s Etruscan Interest Group.