The Rape of the Sabine Women

This painting is variously dated to between 1501 and 1515 and to 1506-07 on account of the stylistic similarities to other works of the artist from this same moment. The subject of the painting is based on Plutarch’s narrative of the rape of the Sabine women. The painting was once, however, identified as the Story of Rhea Silvia.

The complex iconography treats the narrative of abduction through the selection of the moment when Ersilia is brought to Romulus, to whom she is destined to be paired. The statue of Neptune, visible in the background, situates the precise narrative moment. Many copies have been made of this composition.