Italy
Etruscan Italy Cornu, c shapedChiusi, C-shaped cornu
Find Spot: Chiusi
Date of Illustration: Second century BCE
Description: An illustration from a much-later period (250-225 BCE), from Chiusi, a U-shaped cornu is shown (top right-hand corner of image) being played in a battle scene. The portrayal is of a Seven Against Thebes scene and it cannot be said whether it is a portrayal of contemporary practice, rather than an anachronistic rendering of an ancient theme by a 2nd century BCE artist. However, as this portrayal is of a battle scene, it may be that the use of the U-shaped form was continued in the military long after the development of the larger more-curved instruments seen in ensembles. Seven Against Thebes is the third play in an Oedipus-themed trilogy produced by the Greek author Aeshylus in 467 BCE. References to the tale, both written and graphic, are more common in Greek sources. Aeschylus does not describe a scene like this in his play and does not refer to any instrument which might be construed as a cornu of any sort but does refer to one of the seven champions, Tydeus, who awaits the call of the salpinx before engaging in battle:
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Etruscan ItalyCornu and Lituus on Etruscan Sarcophagus
Find Spot: Vulci
Current Location: Boston Museum
Description: Cornu and lituus players among a group of figures on an Etruscan sarcophagus.
read moreCornua on Column of Marcus Aurelius
Find Spot Column of Marcus Aurelius 5
Date of Illustration: 169-172CE
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ItalyLituus and Cornu on Gravestone
Find Spot: Capitolino Hill, Rome
Current Location: Lost
Description: Gravestone of M. Iulius Victor ex collegio liticinum cornicinum depicts M.I.V. standing holding lituus and cornu. Original stone lost, present depiction from 17th and 18th century illustrations.
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Etruscan ItalyTomb of the Augurs, Tarquinia
Find Spot: Tomb of the Augurs (Italian Tomba degli Àuguri), located within the Necropolis of Monterozzi near Tarquinia, Lazio, Italy
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