Motherly statue

The Motherly Statue is a sculpture first introduced in. This piece is based on the Capitoline Wolf, whose age and origin are subjects of controversy. The bronze sculpture is based on the legend of Rome's foundation, and features Romulus and Remus, and the she-wolf who cared for them as infants. The name Capitoline comes from the fact that the statue has resided in Capitoline Hill since 1471.

According to legend, a prophecy foretold that the twins Romulus and Remus would overthrow their great-uncle Amulius. Upon discovering the prophecy, Amulius overthrew his brother Numitor, who was the grandfather of the twins, and had the twins cast into the Tiber River. However, they were rescued by a she-wolf who cared for them until a herdsman named Faustulus found and raised them. When Romulus and Remus matured, they decided to create a city together, Rome, but as a result of a conflict between them, Romulus killed his brother Remus.

In, the statue is displayed in the first Artwork room, in the northeast quadrant.

Authenticity
In, if only one of the twins are featured in the statue, then it is a forgery. In, the fake Motherly statue has both Romulus and Remus, but the wolf's tongue sticks out as if she were panting.

Museum Exhibit Description
"This statue of a wolf raising twins was inspired by Roman legend and originally thought to be much older."

- Museum Exhibit

"This wolf from Roman Mythology raises a pair of twins, along with some controversy. The original bronze sculpture of the wolf is a masterpiece that dates back to 5th century BCE. The twins were added during the 15th century...or so it was thought. Recent research has given rise to speculation that the original piece may be from the 11th or 12th century. (We will, however, stick with the 5th century BCE estimate for now.)"

- Museum exhibit