1861
oil
canvas
From the collection of Norton Simon Museum
The Abduction of the Sabine Women is a 1861 oil by Edgar Degas, a French Romanticism work, held at Norton Simon Museum.
The painting depicts a chaotic scene of ancient Romans abducting Sabine women. The Romans, dressed in togas, are shown grasping and pulling the women, who are wearing long robes and appear to be struggling. In the background, there are several buildings, including a large temple with columns. The painting is done in a classical style, with attention to detail and realism. The colors are muted, with shades of brown and beige dominating the palette. The overall mood of the painting is one of turmoil and conflict. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique.
Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.
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