Ancient Etruscan

Architectural Relief Depicting the Gigantomachy (Battle Between Gods and Giants)

3rd-2nd century BCE
terracotta, pigment
46 × 21.9 cm (18.1 × 8.6 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 151

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.eduPlan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

As the name suggests, the Gigantomachy was the struggle between and the Giants and the Olympian gods, who were led by Zeus. In flowing robes, a god and goddess capture a Giant, depicted with wings and serpent-like features, to deliver the final blow in this epic battle. These three animated figures were probably once part of a series of ornamental covers called antefixes, which were placed along the lowest row of roof tiles on a small building, probably a temple. Etruscans often decorated their buildings with brightly colored sculptural compositions based on Greek mythology.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Ancient Etruscan

Mirror with a Handle in the Form of a Female FigureMirror with a Handle in the Form of a Female FigureVotive (Gift) in the Shape of a Woman's HeadVotive (Gift) in the Shape of a Woman's HeadStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of HeraklesStatuette of a GoatStatuette of a GoatStatuette of a PriestStatuette of a Priest

More like this

The Fear of LoveJean-Louis Lemoyne — The Fear of LoveStatuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a SerpentAncient Roman — Statuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a SeBacchus Consoling AriadneAimé-Jules Dalou — Bacchus Consoling AriadneSaint John the BaptistSpanish — Saint John the BaptistPietàFilippo Parodi — PietàScienceAimé-Jules Dalou — ScienceArmored Guardian King (Tianwang) Trampling DemonChina — Armored Guardian King (Tianwang) Trampling DemonLion Attacking HorseItaly — Lion Attacking HorseDouble -Sided Capital with Female Figure Astride a LionIndia Uttar Pradesh, Mathura region — Double -Sided Capital Stove Tile with Saint George and the DragonAustrian or south German — Stove Tile with Saint George and Shepherd and ShepherdessJoseph-Charles Marin — Shepherd and ShepherdessAeolus and the WindsFlemish — Aeolus and the Winds