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Rape of the Sabines

Unknown

1704

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Baroque 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Rape of the Sabines is a 1704 by Unknown, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1704 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a chaotic crowd of people tangled together. Some are running, others are grabbing or falling. A few figures in the center seem to be struggling, while others in the background watch or flee. The lines are loose and quick, giving a sense of movement and drama. The drawing looks like it was made fast, with lots of action packed into one scene. The figures are drawn in a way that makes them look dynamic, almost like they’re caught mid-motion. If you like this kind of busy, dramatic scene, check out the Baroque movement.