Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank 1645 - 1680

Curator: Here we have an engraving from between 1645 and 1680, titled "Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank." It's part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My first thought? A primal scene, charged with vulnerability and potential menace. The composition is interesting—very sharp contrast between the smooth bodies and the furry animal. Curator: Indeed. The artist employs stark tonal contrasts to define form and texture. Observe how light rakes across the musculature of the wolf, creating depth. The textures are quite remarkable for an engraving. Editor: Absolutely, but look at the deeper cultural symbolism. The she-wolf is a powerful archetype, the nurturer, even of those outside her natural order. And it resonates through cultural memory even now. It’s an incredibly potent symbol. Curator: Symbolism aside, consider how the arrangement generates meaning. The wolf dominates, looming over the infants, yet its posture suggests something other than pure aggression. It's a curious display of protection—or ownership. Editor: That ambiguity is exactly what makes it such a compelling image. The she-wolf could, at any moment, become the hunter. This engraving embodies the paradox of Rome's origin myth: violence and care intertwined. Curator: And technically, the engraving style amplifies that tension. The dense crosshatching builds a sense of unease and barely controlled power in that animal’s frame, even the thin and precise line-work doesn't quite alleviate. Editor: A foundational myth captured with raw feeling. Its visual impact is definitely amplified by that contrast you noted; vulnerability versus latent aggression—in such stark relief. Curator: Ultimately, this print, through form and careful attention to the natural, asks us to look beyond easy interpretations and question foundations. Editor: And its symbolic richness guarantees lasting relevance as long as the tale of Rome is told.