Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)
Alternative Title
Lupa Capitolina
Files
Download image (4.6 MB)
Publisher
Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation
Publication Date
January 1966
Time Period
5th century BCE/ 1021-1153 CE (wolf) & 1471-1500 CE (twins)
Abstract
Detail of twins Romulus and Remus suckling from the wolf
Keywords
Etruscan, Sculpture (visual works), Statues, Bronze
Alt Text
Two small, shiny bronze statues of infant-figures, positioned under the teat of a wolf, where they are suckling and absorbed in their task.
Extent
1 color photograph
Geographic Location
Italy; Rome (Italy); Capitoline Hill (Rome, Italy); Piazza del Campidoglio (Rome, Italy)
Rights
This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/
Access Restrictions
Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.
Media Type
Color photographs
Format
Digital Only
Note
This is a notable bronze sculpture of a scene from the legend of the foundation of Rome. Depicted is a she-wolf nursing the twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The wolf is depicted in a tense, watchful pose, with alert ears and glaring eyes, while the humans are oblivious to their surroundings, absorbed by their suckling. According to the story, their grandfather, King Numitor, was overthrown by his brother Amulius in Alba Longa, and the usurper ordered for the brothers to be cast into the Tiber River. They were rescued by a she-wolf that raised them until a herdsman, Faustulus, discovered them and cared for them. The imagery of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus has long been a symbol of Rome since ancient times. The age and origin of the Capitoline Wolf are controversial. It was thought to be an Etruscan work of the fifth century BCE, with the twins added in the late 15th century AD, likely by sculptor Antonio del Pollaiuolo. Radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dating in the 21st century suggested the wolf portion may have been cast between 1021 and 1153 CE, pointing to a Romanesque origin. The original work, which likely had nothing to do with the legend of Rome's foundation, can be traced back to Etruscan or Magna Graecia workshops of the 5th century BCE. There is no current agreed upon date for the statue. This sculpture has been housed since 1471 in the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the Campidoglio, the ancient Capitoline Hill, in Rome, Italy.
Identifier
A01-JGC0722
Recommended Citation
Unknown, "Capitoline Wolf, Twins Detail" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 593.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/593
