The Capitoline Wolf

The Capitoline Wolf is a large bronze statue (75cm x 114cm) created between 5^th century BC and the 15^th century in Rome, Italy. The sculpture depicts infant boys, Romulus and Remus, suckling from a she-wolf.  These twin boys were found and raised by this she-wolf after they had been thrown into the Tiber River.

Little is known about exactly where and when the statue was created. Some sources say the she-wolf was first sculpted and the twins were added some time later by sculptor, Antonio Pollaiolo. This is plausible because the separate figures have differing styles. The she-wolf looks less realistic than the infants, the edges are sharper and the animal does not resemble the typical wolf. Young Romulus and Remus look like cherubs, with smooth edges and more life-like features. This leads me, and other viewers, to believe that this piece was created by more than one artist. 

In the history of this article, it explains the history of the sculpture and when the twins were added to the piece.

I believe this statue is both a historical and social piece of work. Because Ancient Romans believed that the twins, Romulus and Remus, were the founders of Rome, this statue was an iconic representation of the birth of their city.

Because the wolf is a massive creature and the children are very small, I'd say the wolf is the focal point. Though the twins are an important part of this piece and to Ancient Roman history and mythology, none of it would have been possible without the she-wolf to rescue and nurse the boys. I think she is the most important element in the sculpture because she is a savior, a mother, and, by look of her stance and alert look on her face, she is their protector. 

When I first saw this piece, I was taken back. It is not every day that you see infants nursing from a wolf. Without knowing the story of Romulus and Remus, I would say this piece was somewhat disturbing. It makes all the difference in the world knowing the back story because I find this piece, and the mythology, very beautiful. There are always stories of animals adopting other species but never one involving human babies. 

This also made me wonder about the phrase: "were you raised by wolves!?" Which is usually a negative or insulting saying. Wolves supposedly make wonderful mothers and obviously the boys turned into successful founders of Rome. But only one brother survived - Remus insulted and belittled his city and was killed. Perhaps because he had bad manners from being raised by a wolf.