The Rape of the Sabine women is a pivotal moment in the mythical founding of Rome and the story has been retold over time in many different eras. In particular, it has been a popular subject for artists.
Look closely through the following works. Take time to contemplate each piece, looking first at the whole, then at specific details, and then returning to the whole. What is emphasized in each piece? What emotions are expressed? Which details are unique to each piece? How well does the work capture the story as told by Plutarch? Which is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
Why do you think that this story has held such lasting value? What makes it a popular subject for so many artists? Think specifically of the broader allegorical value of the story - in other words, what larger ideas or themes could this represent in other eras and places?
1593 - Giovanni Bologna's sculpture - Angle 1 / Angle 2 / Angle 3
1637 - Nicolas Poussin - Full Painting / Close-Up
1640 - Giuseppe Cesari - Full Fresco (Sorry, poor quality; we'll see this one up close in the Capitoline Museum in Rome, though)
1640 - Peter Paul Rubens - Full Painting / Close-Up 1 / Close-Up 2
1799 - Jacques-Louis David - Full Painting / Close-Up / Detail
1963 - Pablo Picasso - Full Painting
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