05 Works, Contemporary Interpretations of Olympian/Roman legend, Ceri Richards' Rape of the Sabines, with footnotes #24

Ceri Giraldus Richards (1903–1971) 

The Rape of the Sabines (Saudade), c. 1949

Oil on canvas

H 111.5 x W 142 cm

Pallant House Gallery

The theme of the rape of the Sabine women, taken from Roman legend, was a recurring subject in academic history painting. The story of the abduction of the women of the Sabine tribe by the men of Rome in order to populate the city presented a theme through which Richards could further his interest in representing the cycle of nature. The theme of regeneration in the aftermath of an act of violation also seemed particularly apt in post-war Britain. More on this work

Ceri Richards (British, 1903–1971)Title:

Rape of the Sabines , 1951–1951

Oil on Canvas

25.5 x 35.5 cm. (10 x 14 in.)

Private collection

Rape of the Sabine Women: Use of the word "rape" comes from the conventional translation of the Latin word used in the ancient accounts of the incident: raptio. Modern scholars tend to interpret the word as "abduction" as opposed to (sexual) violation. Controversy remains, however, as to how the acts committed against the women should be judged.

Ceri Richards (British, 1903–1971)Title:

Sabine theme 3 , c. 1947

Pen and Ink and Watercolor

37 x 53 cm. (14.6 x 20.9 in.)

Private collection

The Rape occurred in the early history of Rome, shortly after its founding by Romulus and his mostly male followers. Seeking wives in order to establish families, the Romans negotiated unsuccessfully with the Sabines, who populated the surrounding area. The Sabines feared the emergence of a rival society and refused to allow their women to marry the Romans. Consequently, the Romans planned to abduct Sabine women during a festival of Neptune Equester. They planned and announced a marvelous festival to attract people from all nearby towns. According to Livy, many people from Rome's neighboring towns attended, including folk from the Caeninenses, Crustumini, and Antemnates, and many of the Sabines. At the festival, Romulus gave a signal, at which the Romans grabbed the Sabine women and fought off the Sabine men. The indignant abductees were soon implored by Romulus to accept Roman husbands. More on Rape of the Sabine Women

Ceri Richards (British, 1903–1971)

Rape of the sabines , c. 1948

Oil on Canvas

32.5 x 41 cm. (12.8 x 16.1 in.)

Private collection

Ceri Richards (1903 -1971) is acknowledged as Wales’ most important artist of the mid-twentieth century. Born in Dunvant, near Swansea, in 1903, he studied at Swansea School of Art, before winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art, London. A contemporary of, and frequent co-exhibitor with Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson, John Piper and Graham Sutherland, he represented Britain in many international touring exhibitions. In 1962 he was a prizewinner at the Venice Biennale. He is represented in many important museums worldwide, and the Tate Gallery has a collection of over 90 works.

Ceri Richards (British, 1903–1971)

The Rape of the Sabines, c. 1948

Oil On Canvas

125 x 186 cm

Private collection

An accomplished pianist, his work often took a musical theme, notably his series based on Debussy’s Preludes, as well as his 'Hammerklavier Suite' and his 'Beethoven Suite with Variations'. In Wales he is, perhaps, best known for his paintings and drawings based on Dylan Thomas’s poetry. More on  Ceri Richards

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