The Legend of Romulus and Remus: The Foundation of Rome

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The Legend of Romulus and Remus: The Foundation of Rome

Artist Frans Geubels (Flemish, after 1520-before 1585)

Place of OriginFlanders

Dateabout 1575-1585

Dimensions141 x 140 in. (355 x 360 cm)

MediumWool, silk, gold and silver tapestry

ClassificationTextiles and Fiber

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott

Object number

1954.2

Not on View

Label TextTapestries were the most expensive household objects during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This example comes from a series of eight (two in Toledo, six in Vienna) depicting Rome’s founding by the twins Romulus and Remus. Here the seated Romulus directs the construction of Rome. The Latin inscription at the top translates as, “By the augury of the group of twelve vultures Romulus was set over a brother and Rome was founded.” Romulus saw an omen of 12 birds flying, while Remus saw only six—a sign from the gods that Romulus should rule and name the new city. The tapestry was made in the shop of Frans Geubels in Brussels. Brussels dominated 16th-century tapestry production through the quality of its designs, workshop organization, and its weavers’ technique. Most spectacular in this tapestry is the amount of costly gold and silver thread, rarely used in such profusion, but perhaps explained by its original owner: Hapsburg archduke Matthias (1557–1619), who later became Holy Roman Emperor.