Three fragments of friezes in grey tuff, called... Lot 2

Three fragments of friezes in grey tuff, called nenfro, carved in reserve. A series of metopes separated by frames engraved with striations or interlacing, decorated with griffins seated in profile, their tails raised in an S-shape, and winged mermaids holding an attribute. Central Italy, Etruria, Tarquinia, Etruscan art, 6th century B.C. H. 74, 68 and 64 - W. 35, 36 and 37 - D. 7, 12 and 9 cm (some accidents and missing parts, erosion) Provenance : - Private collection, Belgium, for over twenty years These rare carvings come from necropolises in Tarquinia, one of Etruria's most famous cities, some 50 km north of Rome. The various subjects that appear on this type of plaque - lion, panther or, as here, griffin and mermaid - are thought to represent guardians of the tomb.