Who painted Finding of Romulus and Remus?

Finding of Romulus and Remus was painted by Andrea Locatelli in 1730.

Where can I see Finding of Romulus and Remus?

Finding of Romulus and Remus is held by Capitoline Museums.

What movement is Finding of Romulus and Remus?

Finding of Romulus and Remus is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Finding of Romulus and Remus

Andrea Locatelli , 1730

Finding of Romulus and Remus is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Andrea Locatelli. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Capitoline Museums.

About this work

Overview

Andrea Locatelli's *Finding of Romulus and Remus* (1730) is an oil painting depicting a pivotal moment from Roman mythology. Executed in the Rococo style, the work showcases Locatelli's deviation from his typical landscape (vedute) focus.

Subject & Meaning

A man in a red tunic stands nearby with a horse, while another in brown holds a basket, suggesting the rustic, pastoral context of the myth's unfolding.

The painting illustrates the discovery of the infant twins Romulus and Remus by the shepherd Faustulus. Compositionally, a kneeling woman (often interpreted as Acca Larentia, the twins' foster mother) tenderly reaches for a baby beside a stream, conveying nurturing care. A man in a red tunic stands nearby with a horse, while another in brown holds a basket, suggesting the rustic, pastoral context of the myth's unfolding.

Technique & Style

Characterized by warm, luminous lighting and a serene rural backdrop, the painting embodies Rococo sensibilities. Locatelli's brushwork blends the delicacy of the period with the earthy tones of the landscape, reflecting his landscape painting background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1730 by Andrea Locatelli (1695-1764), an Italian painter primarily known for landscapes, this work is now part of the Capitoline Museums' collection in Rome.

Context

While Locatelli was renowned for his vedute, *Finding of Romulus and Remus* demonstrates his capability with figurative and mythological subjects, set against a familiar pastoral landscape backdrop.

Legacy

As a Rococo piece with a mythological theme, it contributes to the broader artistic trends of 18th-century Italy, though its impact is more nuanced given Locatelli's primary reputation as a landscape artist.