The bronze sculpture, created around the 5th century BC and located in the Capitoline Museum, represents a she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, considered the legendary founders of Rome. The sculpture's style is aligned with Etruscan artistic conventions, characterized by their naturalism and dynamic forms.
The she-wolf is depicted as alert and powerful, her body poised as if ready to spring. Her eyes are deeply incised, creating an intense gaze, and her facial and body features, such as pointed ears, predatory snout, and textured fur, emphasize her formidable nature. Her body is curved towards the infants, suggesting her dual role as protector and nurturer.
The figures of Romulus and Remus, created during the Renaissance and added later to the original sculpture, differ in style and form a reciprocal relationship with the she-wolf. They display human characteristics and engage in nursing while protected by the she-wolf's stance. Their anatomical features, presenting broad foreheads, curly hair, and smooth bodies, contrast with the textured detail of the she-wolf.
This artwork serves as a visual representation of Rome's mythological foundation and includes a diverse range of artistic influences from different periods. The combination of early Etruscan craftsmanship with later Renaissance additions showcases the enduring and evolving trends in Roman artistry.
