Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank
Original title: Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank
kurzbeschreibung
An anonymous engraving from around 1650 to 1675 presents the founding myth of Rome: the twins Romulus and Remus, with a she-wolf offering her teat on a riverbank. The print sets the figures within a peaceful river landscape.
Description
Two naked infants crouch on a rock by the river's edge while the wolf lies on her back to nurse them. Plants and a tree trunk frame the scene, emphasizing its closeness to nature. The background remains in restrained greys, giving the whole a quiet, almost monochrome mood. At the bottom, a Latin poem and a coat of arms with a bird close off the sheet.
Context
The motif of the Capitoline wolf with the twins is central to Roman mythology and was often treated by artists in the early modern period. This engraving falls in an era when classical reception and humanist scholarship flourished in Europe—an environment that may explain the Latin inscription and coat of arms. The unknown engraver likely belonged to a larger circle that reproduced mythological subjects for an educated audience.
Impact
A calm, contemplative mood emanates from the viewer, supported by the delicate lines and naturalistic treatment. Despite the mythological subject, the familiar scene of the nursing wolf feels surprisingly close and inviting, drawing one into the narrative.
Technique
The engraving can be recognized by its fine lines and even hatching, which bring out contours and surfaces. This method allowed precise reproduction of details such as fur and plants, while the subdued greys arise from the printing process.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)