The artwork titled “Romulus and Remus” is an oil on canvas painting by the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, created in the period of 1615 to 1616. It is an exemplary work of the Baroque art movement, characterized by its emotional intensity and dynamic compositions. The dimensions of this mythological painting are substantial, measuring 210 by 212 centimeters. This significant piece of artistry is displayed in prestigious locations, including the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany, and the Capitoline Museums in Rome, Italy.
The artwork depicts the ancient Roman myth of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who were said to be the founders of Rome. In the foreground, one can observe the she-wolf—central to the legend—as she nurses the two infants with a protective and nurturing demeanor. Her figure embodies strength and tenderness, a paradoxical blend that adds complexity to the scene. The twins, depicted as healthy, robust infants, are portrayed in a moment of peaceful repose under the she-wolf’s attentive care, encapsulating the legend of their survival and growth.
Behind the she-wolf stands the shepherd Faustulus, who, according to the myth, later discovers the boys and raises them as his own. His presence in the painting adds a human dimension to the divine intervention, bridging the gap between the celestial origins of the brothers and their mortal upbringing. A person, presumably his wife Acca Larentia, is seen further back in the woods, looking on at the scene with a sense of awe or contemplation.
The composition of the artwork is lush with verdant greenery, creating an atmosphere of wildness and natural abundance. The dense foliage envelops the characters, enhancing the sense of a world not yet touched by civilization. The lighting, typical of the Baroque style, highlights the figures with dramatic contrasts, giving life via chiaroscuro to the muscles of the she-wolf and the softness of the infants’ skin. Rubens’s vigorous brushwork and sumptuous color palette are at full display, emphasizing the drama and vitality of this foundational legend.
