Romulus and Remus 1652

Editor: This is Wenceslaus Hollar’s etching, "Romulus and Remus," created in 1652. It depicts the famous twins being suckled by a she-wolf. The contrast of dark lines on the light background is quite striking, giving the piece a sense of stark realism. What do you see in this work that I might be missing? Curator: I see a fascinating intersection of artistic license and historical context. Consider that Hollar was working within a specific market, driven by the tastes and demands of his patrons, largely print collectors. How does this image participate in the existing narratives surrounding Rome’s origin, and more broadly, the idea of leadership and civic duty at the time? Editor: I guess I hadn’t considered the influence of patrons. I was mostly just focused on the, well, kind of weird imagery of babies and a wolf! How would the context you mentioned have impacted Hollar's choices in this depiction? Curator: He's not just illustrating a story; he's producing a commodity embedded with cultural meaning. The story of Romulus and Remus, and their founding of Rome, were powerful propaganda tools used for centuries, including the Baroque period. By referencing this foundational myth, Hollar's piece participates in broader debates around power, legitimacy, and national identity. Editor: So the seemingly strange image served a political purpose. That’s something I hadn’t considered at all. Curator: Exactly! And that the visual representation of historical events contributes to how those events are remembered and interpreted, it's crucial. I find it thought-provoking to consider whose voices are amplified, and how, through art like this. Editor: This definitely gives me a new appreciation for how historical forces influence art production and reception. Thanks so much! Curator: My pleasure.