Jacques-Louis David - The Intervention of the Sabine Women

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Inspired by Jacques-Louis David - The Intervention of the Sabine Women

In the 8th century BC, the Romans abducted the Sabine women to increase their child bearing population. They abducted 30 women, including the princess Hersilia, who became the wife of Romulus the Roman leader. Years later the Sabines returned to Rome to get revenge. In the ensuing battle Hersilia, the Sabine women and all their kids intervened to stop the bloodshed. Hersilia is standing between her father Tatius, King of the Sabines and her husband Romulus first king of Rome. In the end the two tribes sued for peace and formed a joint government.

The children in the foreground seem to be oblivious to the battle going on around them. Two of the children are having a wrestling match. The one attacks his brother like they were in a schoolyard brawl. In the middle of all this mayhem, the baby between Romulus’ feet casually sucks his thumb.

Go here for original photo: bit.ly/3vyNqAN

Hieronymus Bosch and workshop - The Conjurer

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Inspired by Hieronymus Bosch and workshop - The Conjurer

There are five known versions of this painting and one engraving, but most experts believe this one is the most reliable copy. It is kept locked in a safe and loaned out on a limited basis for special exhibitions. It’s been under lock and key, since it was stolen in 1978, but luckily returned a few months later.

Like many Flemish paintings it conveys a moral message. The owl in the basket at the conjurer's waist signifies the dark arts. The frog jumping from the mouth of the dupe represents reason having given in to bestial impulses. The child, watching the victim being robbed of his money purse exemplifies the Flemish proverb: "He who lets himself be fooled by conjuring tricks loses his money and becomes the laughing stock of children."

The conjurer enthralls his audience with a game of “cups and balls”, an ancient gambling game. It is based on deception and sleight of hand, thus the conjurer. The routine includes many of the fundamental effects of magic: the balls vanish, appear, transpose and reappear. An illustration of this game can be found on the 2500BC wall of an Egyptian burial chamber.

To see original: bit.ly/3MYwqtD

Sandro Botticelli - The Birth of Venus

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Inspired by: Sandro Botticelli - The Birth of Venus

This painting is all about Venus, and how Botticelli wanted to immortalize her. Not because of the goddess of love she represents, but because he was madly in love with the model, Simonetta Vespucci. Simonetta was born in 1453. At the age of 15, she arrived in Florence with her husband Marco. Marco’s family was connected to the Medici, so they were invited to court. It was there that Simonetta’s beauty became legendary. She didn’t just look like Venus, but totally embodied her grace and charisma.She modelled for Botticelli, di Cosimo and other painters who attempted to capture her remarkable features. She became Botticelli’s muse and is found in a number of his paintings. Her presents filled his masterpiece “Primavera”, where many, if not all, of the women are modelled after her. She died at the age of 22 from tuberculosis. This painting was created posthumously, almost ten years later. After those many years Botticelli still had a clear vision of her face and body. At the time of Botticelli’s death in 1510 he was penniless. His work had gone out of favor after Michelagelo and Raphael hit town. On his death bed, he asked to be buried at Simonetts’s feet, and that is where he lies today.

To see original: https://bit.ly/3y4qxTd