Who painted Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto)?

Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto) was painted by Girolamo Romanino in 1535.

Where can I see Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto)?

Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto)?

Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto)

Girolamo Romanino , 1535

Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto) is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Girolamo Romanino. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Romanino’s drawing, dated to around 1535, depicts the legendary moment when the shepherd Faustulus discovers the twins Romulus and Remus.

About this work

Overview

Romanino’s drawing, dated to around 1535, depicts the legendary moment when the shepherd Faustulus discovers the twins Romulus and Remus. Executed on paper, the work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and illustrates a pivotal episode from Rome’s foundation myth, rendered with the compositional balance typical of early‑sixteenth‑century Italian art.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures Faustulus kneeling beside the infant twins, who lie on the ground amid a modest landscape. The figure’s expression of surprise underscores the narrative’s themes of destiny and the unexpected emergence of future founders, inviting viewers to contemplate the origins of Rome through a moment of intimate revelation.

Technique & Style

Romanino employs a restrained palette of browns and greens, emphasizing tonal harmony over vivid coloration. The drawing’s fine line work and careful modeling convey a realistic texture to the figures and surrounding foliage, reflecting the Renaissance emphasis on naturalistic detail and a measured, observational approach to mythological subjects.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑16th century, the drawing eventually entered the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to private collections before being acquired by the museum, illustrating the work’s journey from a regional Italian workshop to an American public institution.

Artist & collection

Artist

Girolamo Romanino

Girolamo Romani, known as Romanino (c. 1485 – c. 1566), was an Italian High Renaissance painter active in the Veneto and Lombardy, near Brescia. His long career brought forth several different styles.