of the Capitol. Its age is great, as the Etruscan workmanship alone
would prove; and many believe it to be the identical statue struck by
lightning during the consulship of Cæsar and Bibulus. In confirmation,
they point to the jagged rent in one of its hind legs, which may have
been caused by such an accident. This, if true, would make it the most
notable sculpture in existence. However, whether Cæsar saw it or not,
it is still venerable enough to command attention, and few tourists
fail to pay it their respects.
[Illustration: THE CHIMERA; ETRUSCAN SCULPTURE IN THE BARGELLO AT
FLORENCE.]
The nurse of Romulus and Remus is also commemorated by a living wolf
which resides in the triangular patch of garden between the steps to
the Capitol, and those which lead up to Ara Cœli. The present incumbent
is a sleek gray fellow from Monte Maietta in the Abruzzi. A live eagle
separated by a netting bears him company, but these caged emblems are
but shabby reminders of the glory of old Rome.
Ancient as the brazen she-wolf, and like it of Etruscan make, is
the Chimera of the Bargello at Florence. It is a comically terrific
creature, whose three heads are all busily engaged--one biting its
neighbor head, and the third roaring at the injury. In the Bargello
also is a superb turkey-gobbler of bronze, credited to Gian da Bologna,
and some capital turtles in marble. Admirable as they are, however,
they are forgotten when, on entering a small room in the Uffizi, the
famous Florentine boar and Molossian hound meet our gaze. Every line
of their softly yellowed marble reveals the patient, loving touch
of sculptors whose work alone survives--whose names and stories are
unknown. They aimed at perfection, and were doubtless content to be
forgotten, if only their works might live.
They, indeed, are the sole, the true enchanters, whose touch petrified
for posterity this menagerie in stone.