Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE A: ITALIAN ART
Preferred Title:
Capitoline She-wolf
Alternate Title:
She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus
Image View:
Detail, one suckling baby (added in the Renaissance)
Creator:
attributed to Antonio Pollaiuolo (Italian sculptor, 1431 or 1432-1498); unknown (Etruscan or Medieval sculptor)
Location:
repository: Musei Capitolini (Rome, Lazio, Italy) inv. MC1181
Location Note:
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1; Palazzo dei Conservatori, Hall of the She-Wolf
GPS:
41.893056 12.4825
Date:
twins added ca. 1471 (alteration); wolf cast 1021-1153? (creation)
Cultural Context:
Etruscan; Italian
Style Period:
Etruscan; Medieval; Renaissance
Work Type 1:
sculpture (visual work)
Classification:
sculpture
Material:
bronze
Technique:
casting (process)
Measurements:
75 cm (height) x 114 cm (width)
Description:
The age and origin of the Capitoline Wolf is a subject of controversy. The statue was long thought to be an Etruscan (or from Magna Graecia workshops) work of the 5th century BCE, with the twins added in the late 15th century CE, probably by the sculptor Antonio Pollaiolo. However, radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dating has found that the wolf portion of the statue was likely cast between 1021 and 1153. The addition of the twins representing Romulus and Remus transformed the ancient Lateran symbol of justice (and symbol of the city Rome) into "Mater Romanorum." The donation of Sixtus IV in 1471 brought the statue to the Capitoline Hill from the Lateran Palace. (Source: Capitoline Museums [website]; http://en.museicapit olini.org/)
Collection:
Adjunct Module A: Italian Art
Identifier:
7A3-E-R-CM-SW-A10
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Capitoline She-wolf