Female figure standing in the right-hand margin of the third sheet of the Rape of the Sabine Women
Original title: Female figure standing in the right-hand margin of the third sheet of the Rape of the Sabine Women
kurzbeschreibung
A lone female figure stands at the right edge of a sheet from the series on the 'Rape of the Sabine Women', the focus of this engraving by Cherubino Alberti (Zaccaria Mattia), made between 1570 and 1615. She wears antique-style drapery and holds a staff, giving her appearance a certain dignity.
Description
Upright and calm, the woman occupies the right margin of the sheet. Her classical garment falls in carefully worked folds that reinforce her pose. A staff rests in her right hand. At the bottom of the sheet sits an oval shield with the inscription 'A. et R. DD. Franciscus Mariae Cardinali a Monte'. The layout is clearly structured, with the figure at its center. The whole is rendered in shades of gray, the light falling evenly without distinct shadows.
Context
Alberti made this engraving between the late 16th and early 17th century. It belongs to a series of sheets treating the popular historical theme of the 'Rape of the Sabine Women', often taken up in the Renaissance. The inscription on the shield carries a dedication to Cardinal Francesco Maria of Monte, suggesting a connection with patronage or dedication. Alberti was known for reproductive engravings after other artists' works as well as for his own designs.
Impact
The upright posture and clear linework give the figure a quiet, monumental air. Because the light is evenly distributed and the shading remains subtle, the sheet conveys a composed, classical mood. That the margin is limited to a single figure narrows the gaze and feels almost meditative.
Technique
In this engraving, lines are cut into a copper plate. Precise strokes and fine hatching create the gray tones that model the folds of the garment. The even light and absence of hard shadows are characteristic of this process.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)