RUBENS
Probably 1635-40

Wood (oak), 169.9 x 236.2 cm 
Purchased, 1824.

Plutarch relates that the Sabine tribe were 
invited to games in Rome; at a given signal from their 
king, Romulus, the Romans 
carried off the women. The background shows the later 
episode when the Sabines 
attacked the Romans and 
were defeated.