The Rape of the Sabines
Statuette
second quarter 17th century (made)
second quarter 17th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This bronze group is made by an unknown sculptor in Rome in the second quarter of the 17th century. It was formerly ascribed to Francesco Bertos and Venice.
The Rape of the Sabines is a legend in the early history of Rome. According to that Romulus, the founder of the city, used a trick to secure the future population of Rome. He organised a festival where the neighbouring inhabitants were invited, including the Sabines along with their wives and children. At a certain signal Rome's young men went into the crowd and carried away the unmarried wives. Plutarch has described to this legend the origin of the custom of lifting up a bride and carrying her over the doorstep of her husband's house.
The Rape of the Sabines is a legend in the early history of Rome. According to that Romulus, the founder of the city, used a trick to secure the future population of Rome. He organised a festival where the neighbouring inhabitants were invited, including the Sabines along with their wives and children. At a certain signal Rome's young men went into the crowd and carried away the unmarried wives. Plutarch has described to this legend the origin of the custom of lifting up a bride and carrying her over the doorstep of her husband's house.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | The Rape of the Sabines (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Bronze |
Brief description | Statuette, bronze, the Rape of the Sabines, Italian (Rome), second quarter of the 17th century |
Physical description | The group rises from an irregular oval base. The central feature is a warrior in classical armour with a spear in his right hand who rides a rearing horse, holding a woman with arms outstretched. On the opposite side a kneeling warrior raises a fainting female figure from the ground. Behind is a standing warrior with one knee on the fallen horse and the left hand on the thigh of the mounted figure, an old woman with arms outstretched, and a child clutching her skirt. On the base quiver, scabbard, sword and other weapons, and a shield with coat-of-arms. |
Dimensions |
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Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A., 1951. The arms are identified as those of Duke of Sanesio, about 1620-1625. |
Production | formerly ascribed to Francesco Bertos and Venice |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This bronze group is made by an unknown sculptor in Rome in the second quarter of the 17th century. It was formerly ascribed to Francesco Bertos and Venice. The Rape of the Sabines is a legend in the early history of Rome. According to that Romulus, the founder of the city, used a trick to secure the future population of Rome. He organised a festival where the neighbouring inhabitants were invited, including the Sabines along with their wives and children. At a certain signal Rome's young men went into the crowd and carried away the unmarried wives. Plutarch has described to this legend the origin of the custom of lifting up a bride and carrying her over the doorstep of her husband's house. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.57-1951 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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