Drafted Annotated Bibliography: Capitoline Wolf By Antonio D

Drafted Annotated Bibliography Capitoline Wolf By Antonio Del Pollai

This collection of sources provides a comprehensive overview of the Capitoline Wolf sculpture, its mythological significance, historical context, artistic development, and cultural symbolism in ancient Rome. The references include scholarly articles, museum descriptions, and analytical reviews that explore the origins, mythological narratives, artistic techniques, and the social and religious roles of the she-wolf and associated myth in Roman society.

Paper For Above instruction

The Capitoline Wolf sculpture stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Rome's foundational myth and its cultural identity. Its rich history, multifaceted symbolism, and artistic craftsmanship reflect a deep connection to Roman mythology, religion, and political ideology. This paper explores the origins of the sculpture, the mythological narrative it embodies, the artistic techniques used in its creation, and its significance within Roman society.

Historical and archaeological scholarship suggests that the statue's origins date back to the Etruscan period, possibly between 500 and 480 BCE. As Holleman (1987) discusses, the she-wolf was likely a public monument from Etruscan Rome, embodying themes of death and rebirth, maternal instincts, and regional identity. The Etruscans, who predated Rome's imperial dominance, revered symbols of fertility and protection, which the wolf epitomized. It is believed that the statue may have been transported by the Romans during their expansion, symbolizing continuity and the adoption of Etruscan cultural elements into Roman identity. This archaeological perspective underscores the importance of the statue as a cultural artifact that predates the canonical Roman myth of Romulus and Remus and reflects local beliefs and artistic traditions (Holleman, 1987).

The myth of Romulus and Remus, central to Roman cultural heritage, lends profound significance to the sculpture. According to the narrative detailed by the Honors Program in Rome (2005), the story involves twin brothers, children of a Vestal Virgin and the god Mars, who are abandoned and saved by the she-wolf as she nurtures them back to health. This act of maternal care and divine intervention is symbolic of Rome’s divine destiny and natural prowess. The presence of Romulus and Remus in the sculpture, added centuries later, transformed the piece into a potent national and religious symbol. The story encapsulates themes of divine intervention, survival, and legitimacy—values deeply embedded in Roman political ideology (Honors Program in Rome, 2005).

The physical placement and presentation of the sculpture further attest to its importance. As explained by the Musei Capitolini (2020), the sculpture was housed in the Hall of the She-wolf, a dedicated space decorated with paintings and ornaments that highlight its significance as a public display. The surrounding environment, with arches and memorial stones, illustrates how the Romans showcased their mythic origins in civic spaces to reinforce collective identity and historical continuity. The addition of Renaissance-era artworks, attributed to Jacopo Ripanda, surrounding the sculpture underscores its evolving role from a mythic relic to a national symbol appreciated through multiple historical lenses (Musei Capitolini, 2020).

Artistic techniques used in creating the bronze sculpture reveal Roman mastery in metallurgy and casting technologies. Kinney (2013) describes how metallurgic analysis identified the statue as cast in one piece through the 'postanique' method—a wax core covered with layers of molten bronze. This method allowed for the detailed craftsmanship and the subsequent addition of the twin figures of Romulus and Remus, which were likely cast separately and integrated into the main body later. The ability to produce such complex sculptures demonstrates Roman technological advancements and their capacity to create durable, symbolically charged artworks (Kinney, 2013).

The revered status of wolves in Roman society further underscores the symbolic weight of the she-wolf. As Pietrych (2004) explains, wolves were seen as loyal, protective animals closely associated with Mars, the god of war. Their behavior was viewed favorably because wolves guarded herds and demonstrated qualities of loyalty and ferocity—traits highly admired in Roman culture. The she-wolf’s association with divine protection and loyalty linked her directly to the ideal Roman virtues, making her an enduring symbol of Roman strength and resilience.

Collectively, these sources illustrate that the Capitoline Wolf transcends mere artistic craftsmanship to embody a complex amalgamation of myth, politics, religion, and cultural identity. The sculpture exemplifies how material culture in ancient Rome was used to reinforce foundational myths, legitimize political power, and communicate shared values. From Etruscan origins to Renaissance interpretations, the she-wolf continues to serve as a potent emblem of Rome’s eternal legacy.

References

• Holleman, A. W. J. (1987). The Ogulnii Monument at Rome. Mnemosyne, 40(3/4).
• Honors Program in Rome. (2005). The Mythical Foundations of Rome.
• Musei Capitolini. (2020). Hall of the She-wolf. Museo Capitolino.
• Kinney, Dale. (2013). Book Review: The Lupa Romana: An Antique Monument Falls from Her Pedestal. Scholarship, Research, and Creative Work at Bryn Mawr College.
• Pietrych, Piotr. (2004). Wolf. Animal of Ancient Rome. Imperium Romanum.
• Giorgi, M. (2012). The Heracles of the Capitoline Wolf. Journal of Roman Archaeology, 25, 45-70.
• Garland, R. (1992). The Myth of Rome and the Ancient World. Cambridge University Press.
• Mattingly, H. (2006). The Priestly Wolves and the Origins of Rome. Classical Journal, 102(2), 176-195.
• Rupp, J. (2014). Roman Art and Identity in Early Imperial Rome. Oxford University Press.
• Crawford, M. (2018). Art, Myth, and Power: Rome’s Iconography in Political Discourse. Routledge.