What is les sabines?

Les Sabines is a painting by the French artist Jacques-Louis David, completed in 1799. The painting depicts the abduction of the Sabine women, an event from Roman mythology where Romulus, the founder of Rome, invited neighboring Sabine men to celebrate a religious festival and then abducted their women.

David's painting shows the moment when the Sabine women are caught between the Romans and Sabine men who are fighting to defend their wives and daughters. The painting highlights the emotional turmoil and conflict of the moment, with women pleading for mercy and men fighting valiantly but ultimately being overcome.

The painting is currently held at the Musée du Louvre in Paris and is considered to be a masterpiece of neoclassical art. David's depiction of the Sabine women has been the subject of numerous interpretations and has inspired other artists and writers throughout history.