Rape of the Sabines c. 1760

Giuseppe Angeli painted Rape of the Sabines using oil on canvas; we don’t know exactly when. The painting depicts a foundational myth of Rome: the abduction of Sabine women by Romulus's men. In Angeli's time, history paintings like this reflected the societal norms where women were often viewed as property, and their experiences were marginalized. The painting doesn't critique the violence, but rather focuses on dramatic gestures and idealized forms, masking the grim reality of sexual assault and the loss of autonomy. The visual drama reinforces a narrative that celebrates male dominance and Roman expansion. How do we, as contemporary viewers, grapple with such depictions? Does the artistic skill justify the subject matter? Or should we view the painting as a disturbing artifact of a bygone era, a reminder of how art can normalize violence and erase women's suffering? This artwork invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in historical narratives and the ways in which they continue to resonate today.