I decided to do the Capitoline She-Wolf in the Capitoline museum. It is a 75 cm bronze statue of a she-wolf and two babies, Romulus and Remus, who were added years after the wolf was made.
Iconology
Rhea Silvia, daughter of Numitor and niece of Amulius, the king of Alba Longo, fell in love with a man who she wasn't married to and had twin boys, Romulus and Remus. The king was furious and wanted to get rid of the babies. A slave put the babies in a basket and sent them down the river. A she-wolf who just lost all her cubs found the basket. She looked after the boys and fed them her milk.
Romulus and Remus lived became shepherds just like their adopted father. On night, Remus got in a fight with another shepherd and was sent to see Numitor who realized that they were his lost grandsons. They killed Amulius and moved into Alba Longo. MIssing their lives back as shepherds, the moved to a new place to start their own city, but they ended up building two cities. After fighiting over who had the better city, Romulus killed Remus. But as a tribute to his brother, he named his city Rome and became the first king.
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Andrea, nice description of the story of the founding of Rome. But I see your blog as being more historical rather than interpreting the symbolism of a city founded by an orphan who was raised by a wolf? Didn't you take a picture of the statue? You should try and post a picture of the object with your blog. That would be even cooler. Good work.
ReplyDeleteVery cool blog. I have always enjoyed the story of the founding of Rome. The idea that fiction is included in the story adds to the mystery and grandeur of the city.
ReplyDeleteGood job Andrea! I love that story. I almost did that statue as my blog as well! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAndrea- I almost selected the She-wolf for my blog as well. You did a much better job than I would have. It is one of my favorite stories that we've heard since we've been here. I am trying to find the story in a children's book for the grandkids.
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