Cleveland Museum of Art

Statuette of Tinia (Zeus)

Date

c. 500 BCE, perhaps with modern patina

Medium

bronze

Culture

Etruscan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Tinia, the most powerful god in the Etruscan pantheon, often appears with a thunderbolt, the same attribute associated with Zeus and Jupiter in Greek and Roman religion and myth. The outstretched left hand may once have held a scepter. Although the figure finds numerous parallels among other Etruscan bronzes of the late 500s and early 400s BC, its surface is oddly rough and mottled with spots, perhaps the result of early modern treatment or coating meant to protect or improve its appearance. A 2001 analysis of the bronze composition showed results consistent with other ancient Etruscan alloys. A break to the right wrist has been repaired with a dowel.

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