Andrea Andreani, Giambologna [Giovanni da Bologna]
Rape of a Sabine Woman
1583
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Andrea Andreani, Giambologna [Giovanni da Bologna]
Rape of a Sabine Woman
1583
Physical Qualities
Color woodcut, Sheet: 460 x 201 mm. (18 1/8 x 7 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.8591
One of the principal challenges printmakers faced in representing sculpture was capturing the effects of viewing in the round. Giambologna’s Rape of a Sabine Woman (see photo) was particularly famous for its swirling, serpentine composition. Andrea Andreani used multiple prints (this is one from a series of three) to suggest the experience of moving around Giambologna’s work and taking it in from a variety of angles.
Andreani also addressed the problem of conveying the weight and sheen of marble on paper. He found a solution in the chiaroscuro woodcut, a technique that produces nuanced colors through the use of multiple wooden blocks inked in different tones.
The Rape of the Sabine Women is a tale of abduction, rather than rape as we understand the word today. The legend came from early Roman history, and recounted an episode in which a group of Roman men, in need of wives, carried off women from the rival Sabine tribe with the intention of marrying them.
Printed Sculpture/Sculpted Prints
Signed: from three blocks
Inscribed: lower left in block: "Rapt a Sabinam a / Io: Bolog marm: excul. / Andreas Andrean'Mat: / incisit, etq. Bernardo. / Vechietto, decauit ano / M. D. LXXXIIII"
Markings: CM: Claghorn on mount