Who painted Romulus and Remus?

Romulus and Remus was painted by Peter Paul Rubens.

Where can I see Romulus and Remus?

Romulus and Remus is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Romulus and Remus?

Romulus and Remus is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Romulus and Remus

Peter Paul Rubens

Romulus and Remus is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1655, this oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens portrays the legendary twins Romulus and Remus as infants nurtured by a she-wolf. Executed during the height of Rubens’ career, the work exemplifies the Flemish Baroque aesthetic and is presently part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition draws directly from the foundational myth of Rome, showing the abandoned brothers being fed by the wolf that would later symbolize the city’s origins. By emphasizing the tender interaction between the animal and the children, Rubens underscores themes of survival, destiny, and the intertwining of nature with human history.

Technique & Style

Rubens employs the Baroque hallmark of vigorous movement and dramatic chiaroscuro, yet the palette leans toward muted earth tones that lend the scene a calm intimacy. Visible brushwork adds tactile depth to the fur and flesh, while the interplay of light and shadow enhances the three‑dimensionality of the figures.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it has remained on display. Its provenance reflects the typical trajectory of Rubens’ large‑scale history paintings, which were prized by European collectors for both their scholarly references and visual vigor.

Context

Rubens, a central figure of the Flemish Baroque, frequently merged classical mythology with contemporary artistic innovation. This work aligns with his broader oeuvre of history paintings that fuse erudite narrative content with dynamic composition, illustrating his role in shaping the visual language of 17th‑century European art.