The Etruscans "developed special sophistication in casting and engraving on bronze" (Art History, Stokstad, pg 164) and this expertise with bronze carried over to Roman craftsmen as they began to imitate and even replicate Etruscan pieces. "Head of a Man-Brutus" is a vivd and lifelike rendering and was a commission created by an Etruscan artist at the request of a Roman patron. The piece is dated to aprox. 300 B.C.E. and shows the incredible precision and detail that they were able to render in bronze at this time. The facial hair and tendons in the neck are particularly impressive and the eyes have been created using inlayed ivory with a glass paste iris. This feature in particular makes the sculpture come alive for the viewer and the inclusion of asymmetry and some signs of aging speak to the kindling of a later trend towards faithfulness to the subject.
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