Coin Depicting a She-Wolf Nursing Romulus and Remus
117-192
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diam.: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
142784
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin depicts a she-wolf, facing left, nursing the twin brothers and legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The back (reverse) shows Hector, the legendary warrior and prince of Troy who was ultimately killed by Achilles, advancing left and holding a spear and shield.
About the Artist
Ancient Roman
The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...