Roof van een Sabijnse vrouw, zijaanzicht

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

### Roof van een Sabijnse vrouw, zijaanzicht Created by Dutch engraver Jan Harmensz. Muller between 1596 and 1600, this striking engraving captures a dramatic moment from Roman mythology: the abduction of a Sabine woman, shown in profile view. Titled *Roof van een Sabijnse vrouw, zijaanzicht* (Abduction of a Sabine Woman, Side View), it draws from the ancient legend of Rome's founding, where early Romans seized women from neighboring Sabines to build their population—a tale popularized in Renaissance art to explore themes of violence, desire, and heroism. Muller's mastery shines in this large-scale engraving (418 × 272 mm), a technique where intricate lines are incised into a copper plate for inked impressions. Active in Haarlem and Amsterdam, Muller was a leading figure in Northern Mannerism, influenced by Hendrick Goltzius. His prints often featured dynamic poses and rich tonal contrasts, making them prized by collectors for their technical finesse and narrative power. This work exemplifies the era's fascination with classical antiquity, blending myth with virtuoso printmaking. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228, it hints at esteemed provenance, underscoring its enduring appeal among connoisseurs. A window into late 16th-century Dutch artistry, it invites us to ponder the raw energy of human drama through Muller's precise, evocative lines.

About the Artist

Jan Harmensz. Muller · 1571–1628

Comment on works: Printer and Draughtsman