The Statue of the Tiber River with Romulus and Remus
Dublin Core
Title
The Statue of the Tiber River with Romulus and Remus
Description
Currently in the Louvre, this statue dates from the Imperial Roman period, approximately after 80 AD and between 177-138 AD. This estimated dating lends itself to the fact that personifications of both the Tiber and Nile rivers were ubiquitous during the reign of Hadrian, especially through the distribution of coins, though it is important to recognize that the dating remains a topic of debate. In terms of general provenance, it was found in the Field of Mars, Rome in 1512, and it measures 222 cm (~7.3 ft) in height and 317 cm (~10.4 ft) in width. Moreover, it is made of Pentelic marble, and was carved in the round, with bas relief on the base of the statue. Historically, it had once decorated the temple dedicated to Isis and Sarapis, and was found in conjunction with the Nile statue—which is now in the Vatican. Along with its brother statue, Tiber was briefly held in the Vatican, as well, before being seized by France under the Treaty of Tolentino in 1797 and taken to the Louvre Museum.
Moving on to the iconography present in this statue, first and foremost, it represents the river God Tiber, who is depicted reclining, mature, and bearded. He holds two attributes in both hands, which, together, symbolize the benefits that he has bestowed upon the Roman citizens. In his left hand, he holds an oar, which symbolizes the gift of navigation, and in his right hand, he holds the horn of abundance, which symbolizes the river’s health-giving properties. Romulus and Remus occupy the bottom left of the statue, and they were regarded as Rome’s twin founders—according to Roman myth. Lastly, the bas reliefs on the bottom of the statue show three scenes: animals grazing, depictions of navigation, and the myth of Aeneas.
Moving on to the iconography present in this statue, first and foremost, it represents the river God Tiber, who is depicted reclining, mature, and bearded. He holds two attributes in both hands, which, together, symbolize the benefits that he has bestowed upon the Roman citizens. In his left hand, he holds an oar, which symbolizes the gift of navigation, and in his right hand, he holds the horn of abundance, which symbolizes the river’s health-giving properties. Romulus and Remus occupy the bottom left of the statue, and they were regarded as Rome’s twin founders—according to Roman myth. Lastly, the bas reliefs on the bottom of the statue show three scenes: animals grazing, depictions of navigation, and the myth of Aeneas.
Source
1. “Statue ; Le Tibre.” Musée Du Louvre, 1 Apr. 117AD, collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010278935.
2. “Tiber River.” Ringlingdocents.org, ringlingdocents.org/sculpture/tiber.htm.
2. “Tiber River.” Ringlingdocents.org, ringlingdocents.org/sculpture/tiber.htm.
Coverage
The Louvre
