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Capitoline Wolf

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description Capitoline Wolf Overview

The Capitoline Wolf is a bronze statue depicting a she-wolf nursing the infants Romulus and Remus. This Roman relic, dating from the late Republic, represents a foundational legend of Rome – the divine rescue and nurturing of its founders. It’s one of the city's oldest and most significant symbols, revered by Romans and now appreciated by art historians and those interested in ancient Roman history and mythology.

help Capitoline Wolf FAQ

Where is the Capitoline Wolf currently displayed?

The bronze sculpture of the Capitoline Wolf is prominently displayed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, Italy. It is one of the most famous symbols of the city's legendary founding.

When was the Capitoline Wolf actually sculpted?

For centuries, scholars believed the statue was an Etruscan work from the 5th century BC. However, in 2006, metallurgical analysis revealed that the she-wolf itself was actually cast in the 13th century during the Middle Ages.

Are the baby twins Romulus and Remus original to the Capitoline Wolf statue?

No, the figures of the suckling twins, Romulus and Remus, are noticeably different in style and were added separately. They were sculpted in the late 15th century by the artist Antonio del Pollaiuolo.

How did the Capitoline Wolf become a symbol of Rome?

According to Roman mythology, the twins Romulus and Remus were thrown into the Tiber River as infants and saved by a she-wolf who nursed them. Romulus went on to found the city of Rome, making the wolf an enduring emblem of the city's strength and resilience.

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