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
Zaidan Gallery 