Sunday, June 13, 2010

Verteidigung einer Sabinerin by Joseph Uphues

Verteidigung einer Sabinerin (1886), inspired by the legend of Romulus and Remus, is a larger than life bronze statue in the neo-baroque style created by the Berlin sculptor Joseph Uphues. It was commissioned by Philipp Schoeller for his garden. Now the statue is located in Stadtpark, Düren, Germany.

Romulus and Remus are the twin founders of Rome, according to the traditional myth. They are fathered by Mars or the demigod Hercules on a royal Vestal Virgin, Rhea Silvia, whose uncle leaves them to die in the wild. The twins are found by a she-wolf who suckles and takes care of them and eventually they attract many followers and decide to found a new city.

Romulus wishes to build the new city on the Palatine Hill, but Remus prefers the Aventine Hill. They agree to determine the site through augury. Romulus seems to receive more favorable signs but each of the twins claims the results in his favor and in the dispute, Romulus kills Remus. Romulus builds and names the new city Rome, after his name.

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