Inkwell with the Tiber, Romulus and Remus with the She-wolf, and the arms of the Della Rovere c. 1547 - 1548

This bronze inkwell depicting the Tiber, Romulus and Remus with the She-wolf, and the arms of the Della Rovere, was created by Tiziano Minio. The sculpture strikes you with its rich, dark patina and complex figuration. The reclining, muscular figure of the river god Tiber dominates, its form flowing into the figures of Romulus, Remus and the She-wolf. Minio masterfully uses the bronze medium to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the textures of the figures and the depth of the composition. Notice how the artist merges classical mythology with practical function, challenging traditional artistic boundaries. The deliberate arrangement of the figures on a horizontal plane invites contemplation, embodying the humanist ideals of the Renaissance. Consider how this piece reflects a broader cultural interest in antiquity, blending form and symbolism in ways that invite multiple interpretations.