Path of the Dead

1996

28" x 30"

Oil on Linen

$1,500

Reproduction at full size: $400

This was inspired by a visit to an Etruscan burial site in the area of Viterbo, Italy.  
The site is called Norchia.  The Etruscans built elaborate tombs for the dead and
essentially considered the area a city for the dead.  Norchia has a large number of
necropolis type tombs.  A false door is carved into a rock face.  A terrace is built
on top where the rites took place.  A steep stair led under the false door where the
dead were placed in a room which was then sealed using huge blocks of tufa stone.

The area was full of a strange feeling.  Something that seemed out of time.  
Since it was about 2500 years ago, perhaps the edges of time were frayed as much as the tombs.  

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