The Rape of a Sabine Woman
Group
late 16th century (made)
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.
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 | |
Title | The 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 |
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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 |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.145-1910 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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