Varga Edith szerk.: A Szépművészeti Múzeum közleményei 79. (Budapest, 1993)

NIELSEN, MARJATTA: An Etruscan country woman from Terriccio

increasingly recognized that even classical art had its roots in quite modest achievements. This may have helped in finding a market for the urn from Terriccio as well. Therefore, in all its humbleness, the urn in Budapest is a part of both the ancient and the modern history of northern Toscana. MARJATTA NIELSEN (Copenhagen) APPENDIX A correspondence between G. Giunti and the Reali Museiin Florence regarding ancient statuettes from Terriccio (Archivio della Soprintendenza dei Beni Artistici, Florence, 1878, file E, pos. 6 no. 10). (Printed letterhead) Società anonima della Tenuta e miniere di rame di Terriccio Direzione generale Via Cavour 20

29 Florence Terriccio Cecina, the 18th March 1878 111.mo Sig. Direttore dei Reali Musei di Firenze, Six months have already passed since my return from Piandiscö,

30 my native town, to take up employment in this estate near Cecina, where I had formerly worked for seven years under the former Patron, the Count Poniatoski. Then as well as now I have always cherished in my heart the ancient history of these places, and I have always picked up what 1 could of archeological objects. By chance various objects have come to my keeping, namely four idols : (1) one is 20 cm high, a nude statue of most beautiful shape, (2-3) two others, 15 cm high, in the same taste, (4) the fourth, 12 cm high, 'a Greek military person' with helmet and shield, with the hand in offensive posture, although we can understand that the small weapon is lost. (5) Another statuette, 10 cm high, which has served as a handle of a vase. I admit that without your having seen these objects it is difficult to estimate their value, but since I have not set a definite price on them I would be pleased to have your advice about what price to ask, and therefore 1 would bring them to Florence to the Royal Museums. 1 also possess a most beautiful jar of laminated glass . . . Sincerely yours, Gabriele

31 Giunti The answer to the letter was swift but discouraging : Direzione delle R. R. Gallerie e Musei di Firenze, N. del Registro 132 (copy of the letter) Gabriele Giunti Terriccio, Cecina 21th March 1878 With respect to the price of the ancient objects which you say you have found, I cannot give you any counsel without knowing the above-mentioned objects. Without examining them I cannot tell you whether they are beautiful or not, authentic or fake, and about the price I am not able to give any opinion. (No signature) The former Poniatowski residence in Florence had the address Via Cavour 18. Near Arezzo. According to my reading, which is not absolutely sure.