Giambologna, The Rape of the Sabines, 1581-3Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence, Italy
(Source)
(Source)
I've done Giambologna and Mannerist sculpture before, here's another example that is really nice. The work here depicts a story from Roman history/legend whereby the men of Rome having realised that their city has no women, decide to go and steal the women of the neighbouring tribe, The Sabines.
This charming story has been depicted with a wonderful sense of energy due to the tight, twisting composition. The figures are set in a spiralling column with a variety of limbs flung out to encourage the viewer to walk around and see the multiple viewpoints rather than a static front view.
This charming story has been depicted with a wonderful sense of energy due to the tight, twisting composition. The figures are set in a spiralling column with a variety of limbs flung out to encourage the viewer to walk around and see the multiple viewpoints rather than a static front view.
1 comment:
I love this sculpture.
Apparently Giambologna didn't actually name the piece, and it wasn't given the name/storyline until later. It was originally just made because he wanted to show that he could make complex multiple-figure sculptures out of one block of marble. (Thanks, Florence tour guide!)
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