The She-Wolf of Rome is a bronze sculpture, kept in the Capitoline Museums, in approximately natural size. It is traditionally considered to be of Etruscan manufacture and that it has been in Rome since ancient times. According to more recent studies, however, it would be a medieval bronze.
What is striking, however, is the emblematic character of the image conceived as an allegory of an entire foundation story. The sculpture represents a she-wolf nursing a pair of little twins, representing the legendary founders of the city, Romulus and Remus. These last two figures were added in the late 15th century by Antonio del Pollaiolo.
The modeling is generally thin and rigid, but embellished with a minute, clear and essential decorativism, especially in the design of the hair, which is rendered on the neck with a calligraphic motif of "flame" locks, which continues in the lines beyond the shoulder and on the top of the back, up to the tail. The animal is placed in profile, with its head turned ninety degrees towards the viewer. The jaws are half open and the teeth are sharp. The animal's body is lean, exposing the whole side. The breasts on the belly are well evident. The legs also have a dry and rough appearance, and are modeled in the guard position.
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