The Sabine Women, Jacques-Louis David, 1799

Description of the picture:

Sabine Women – Jacques Louis David. 1799

   The canvas (1799) depicts an episode of Roman mythology in which the Sabine women warn the battle between their spouses the Romans and their fathers and brothers the Sabines. The choice of the theme reads about David’s political sympathies for the French Republic, which was proclaimed after the revolution one thousand seven hundred eighty nine. A passionate fan of the ancient statue, David built the composition of the picture in the form of a frieze: overlapping figures resemble traditional sculptural reliefs, and the heroic poses of the guys resist the sensual reaction of the ladies. The fighters on the right side of the picture bear the emblem of Rome – the capitol she-wolf, and the ladies brought with them the kids, who will become the basis of the future republic.

   SABINIANS. According to legend, Romulus founded Rome in seven hundred and 30 5 BC. e. There were not many ladies in the settlement, and taking care of the population growth and the grandeur of the town, Romulus invited the adjacent Sabine tribe with their spouses and daughters to the holiday. On a conditional signal, Roman men seized and abducted unmarried Sabine women, wanting to merge with the adjacent tribe “the strongest and deepest ties.” Many painters and architects captured this scene, including Pietro da Cortona and Giambolonia. Romulus refused to let the ladies go home, then both fathers and brothers went on a campaign against Rome. The ladies married their own captors, and, realizing the meaninglessness of the battle, they rushed between 2 troops, begging them with “gentle, loving speeches” to end the fight, until the men made peace."