Giambologna (1529–1608)The Rape of a Sabine Woman, at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, Italy

Giambologna “The Rape of a Sabine Woman”

Sculpture – Bronze (Height 85 cm) 1579

Abduction of a Sabine This magnificent sculpture by Giambologna is an early sketch of the famous Rape of the Sabine Women in marble, on display in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, Florence, and whose plaster model is on display at the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

This bronze sculpture was a commission by Ottavio Farnese, Duke of Parma.

It consists solely of two figures: a Roman abducting a Sabine woman who is struggling desperately in his arms.

They are both naked and the young woman has her arms outstretched, flailing in the air in a gesture of distress and helplessness; her mouth is open, calling for help.

The man gives her no chance by wrapping his powerful arm round her back to hold her firmly by the shoulder, and lifting her with his other arm slipped under her thigh to grasp her by the hip and prevent her from escaping.

Abduction of a Sabine The Roman’s superb musculature bears witness to his strength, which holds the young girl’s supple body captive; she has no chance of escaping her fate.

The energy and determination of her young captor reveal the imbalance of the struggle between them.

The dynamism of the action is conveyed by the short cloak tied around the Roman’s neck which flutters as he spins to seize and carry off the Sabine woman, who is flailing her arms and legs in the air as she cries out for help.

His legs are spread wide enough to ensure his stability whilst easily carrying his victim at arm’s length.

The twisting of their bodies caused by the effort exerted by the young woman to escape by arching her back, whilst the man exerts an opposite force to maintain his balance and hold his prey close to him, makes this one of the finest sculptures of the period.

They form a perfectly proportioned couple; they are the quintessence of masculine and feminine beauty.

Abduction of a Sabine