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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 117

The Rape of a Sabine Woman

Group
late 16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This sculpture by the workshop of Giambologna is represneting and referring to the legend of the Rape of the Sabines.

Born in Flanders Giovanni Bologna (1524-1608), or short Giambologna went to Rome to study antique sculpture from about 1550 to 1553. He then travelled through Florence where he was persuaded to stay. He became sculptor to the Medici family and thus became one of the most influential sculptors of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He drew attention to many artists from Northern Europe and disseminated his style mainly through small bronzes. He established an efficient and large workshop.

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
TitleThe Rape of a Sabine Woman (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Group, bronze, The Rape of a Sabine Woman, by the Workshop of Giambologna, Italy, late 16th century
Physical description
The Roman strides forward on his left foot, grasping the woman with both hands; her right hand is outstreched, her left presses on his forehead. Her body rests on a low triangular support covered with a small cloth. Both figures are naked. Smooth dark patina. On a revolving circular stand of dark wood.
Dimensions
  • Length: 46cm
Object history
From the Salting bequest.
Subject depicted
Summary
This sculpture by the workshop of Giambologna is represneting and referring to the legend of the Rape of the Sabines.

Born in Flanders Giovanni Bologna (1524-1608), or short Giambologna went to Rome to study antique sculpture from about 1550 to 1553. He then travelled through Florence where he was persuaded to stay. He became sculptor to the Medici family and thus became one of the most influential sculptors of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He drew attention to many artists from Northern Europe and disseminated his style mainly through small bronzes. He established an efficient and large workshop.

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
  • 'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 13
  • Catalogue of the Italian art loan exhibition : held in the Corporation Galleries, Glasgow, 1882-83, Glasgow : Robert Anderson, 1882 468
Collection
Accession number
A.145-1910

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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