Barriera di San Lorenzo as a Point of Entry

Artist Statement

Big walls surround the broad, hilly way of Barriera di San Lorenzo, the entrance and exit point of buses and small vehicles. The things that attracted my eyes were the sculptures of the She-Wolf with the Suckling Twins on the walls in both sides of the way. It interested me that twin children suckle the She-Wolf! After coming back to my room with the many pictures of the gate and sculptures, I read the history behind it.

The She-Wolf serves as a symbol for both Rome and Siena. In Siena, the She-Wolf symbol includes the founders of the city. I also found the same sculpture in many other places in the city. In my childhood I always heard that a wolf is a very dangerous animal. In contrast, a sheep is an innocent animal that does not harm anybody. This was the first time I read about a wolf, for her kindness. And from this symbol I found about how people link themselves with their history and historical leaders.

Syed Noroz Ali, Pakistan