Jacques-Louis David
Today we present a masterpiece depicting a legendary episode from Roman history, created during one of the most legendary episodes of Western history and painted by a legendary artist.
The legend says that in the early days of Rome, Roman warriors conducted by Romulus (the founder of Rome) seized the Sabine women and abducted them, one for each, to serve as their wives. In the painting, we see Romulus's wife Hersilia, daughter of Titus Tatius (leader of the Sabines, an Italic people who lived in the central Apennine Mountains), rushing between her husband and her father and placing her babies between them. A vigorous Romulus prepares to strike a half-retreating Tatius with his spear, but hesitates.
According to legend, when Tatius attacked Rome, he almost succeeded in capturing the city because of the treason of the Vestal Virgin Tarpeia. She opened the city gates for the Sabines in return for "what they bore on their arms." She believed that she would receive their golden bracelets. Instead, the Sabines crushed her to death and threw her from the rock that was later named for her.
Jacques-Louis David began planning the work while he was imprisoned in the Luxembourg Palace in 1795. France was at war with other European nations after a period of civil conflict culminating in the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, during which David had been imprisoned as a supporter of Robespierre. Work on the painting commenced in 1796, after his wife visited him in jail. He conceived the idea of telling the story, to honor his wife, with the theme of love prevailing over conflict and the protection of children. The painting was also seen as a plea for the people to reunite after the bloodshed of the revolution. Its realization took him nearly four years.
P.S. As mentioned, Jacques-Louis David was one of the most important artists of Western art history. One of his works is featured in our Masterpieces 50 Postcards Set; you'll love it! :)
P.P.S. Did you know that this painting was featured in a Beyoncé's music video? You can review masterpieces from the Louvre that made an appearance in her legendary video!