Series of paintings by Luca Giordano or his workshop
The Rape of the Sabine Women may refer to at least eight paintings attributed to Luca Giordano or his workshop, all of which depict the legendary rape of the Sabine women.[1][a]
Versions
The Rape of the Sabine Women (German: Der Raub der Sabinerinnen), 7 ft 2 in x 8 ft. The Sabine women seized and borne away by the Romans. In the background, near a Corinthian temple, Romulus, mounted upon a horse, is directing the movement. Painted for Marie Louise d'Orléans, Queen of Spain; taken from Naples to Dresden. Engraved by R. Gaillard; R. Sourique; J. F. Beauvarlet; Réveil.[3] Formerly in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden.
^The story is told by Livy and Plutarch.[2] Romulus, his people having been refused the right of connubium or legal marriage by the Sabines and the Latins, instituted games in honour of the god Census and invited his neighbours with their wives and children to the festival. When they were assembled, the Roman youths seized and carried off the virgins and made them their wives. This led to war, and both parties were nearly exhausted with the struggle when the Sabine women rushed in among the combatants and brought about a reconciliation between their husbands and their fathers.[3]
Champlin, John Denison Jr.; Perkins, Charles C., eds. (1887). Cyclopedia of Painters and Paintings. Vol. 4. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. p. 96. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.