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Capitoline Wolf
by Ancient Roman (Unknown), -500
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- -500
- Medium
- Bronze
- Size
- 75 cm × 114 cm (30 × 45 in)
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Ancient Roman The Capitoline Wolf is Rome's most iconic symbol: a bronze she-wolf nursing the infant twins Romulus and Remus, legendary founders of the city. The wolf figure dates to the 5th century BCE (though some scholars argue for medieval origin), while the twin infants were added during the Renaissance by Antonio del Pollaiuolo. The combination creates Rome's definitive founding image.
According to legend, the abandoned twins were discovered by a wolf who suckled them in a cave on the Palatine Hill. The wolf's fierce expression and prominent ribs suggest a wild creature, though her pose nursing the infants shows maternal protection. The sculpture has served as a symbol of Rome for over 2,500 years.
The original bronze stands in the Capitoline Museums, while copies mark Roman sites worldwide.
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About Capitoline Wolf
The original is at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Copies appear throughout the world in cities with Roman heritage.
Dating remains controversial. Traditional scholarship places it around 500 BCE, but recent testing suggests a possible medieval creation. The debate continues.
No. The suckling infants were added in the Renaissance, probably by Antonio del Pollaiuolo in the 15th century. The wolf originally stood alone.
The wolf represents Rome's miraculous founding. The legend of a she-wolf saving Romulus and Remus became central to Roman identity and remains Italy's symbol today.
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