The Colosseum from a set of The Wonders of the World 1570 - 1605

This tapestry, made by Maarten van Heemskerck, depicts the Colosseum, an architectural marvel of ancient Rome. At its base, we see the iconic she-wolf, a symbol intrinsically linked to Rome's mythical founding by Romulus and Remus. The she-wolf motif, an emblem of nurture and primal strength, persists through the ages, reappearing on shields and standards. It is an interesting transformation; the animal, once a symbol of wildness, becomes a symbol of civilization, passed down through collective memory. This tapestry, woven with intricate detail, not only represents the Colosseum but also invokes the emotional and psychological resonance of Rome's past, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of symbols.