The Abduction of the Sabine Women 1675 - 1680

Luca Giordano painted “The Abduction of the Sabine Women” in the late 17th century, likely in Naples, where he was born. This dramatic scene represents a foundational myth of ancient Rome, the abduction of women from the Sabine tribe to populate the new city. The painting is filled with dynamic figures, classical architecture, and an overall sense of chaotic energy. What might the display of sexual violence say about the place and time in which it was produced? In the context of 17th-century Europe, where patriarchal social structures were deeply entrenched, this painting’s themes of conquest and subjugation may have resonated with contemporary power dynamics. Consider how the artist’s patronage might have influenced the work, and the ways in which gender and power were understood by the artist. To truly understand this piece, we can look to historical texts, social histories, and analyses of art institutions. This reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum, but is rather a product of specific social conditions.