Rape of the Sabine Women, Rear View

Sculpture, Florence #5

Rear view of the statue by Giambologna entitled 'The Rape of the Sabine Women', situated in the Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy

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The story behind this image

Situated in the Loggia dei Lanzi, which forms part of the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy, this statue by Giambologna depicts the episode in Roman history known as 'The Rape of the Sabine Women'.

Although the scene it depicts is very intense, the carving, from a single block of marble, is exquisite in detail and intricacy and was my favourite piece of artwork from all those I'd seen so far during Liz's and my trip to Florence.

This view is of the rear of the statue, taken from inside the Loggia dei Lanzi looking out, and was pictured as the daylight faded to night and the statue was lit by floods positioned to the front and side.

This lighting arrangement was gorgeous, highlighting and emphasising the graceful contours and surfaces of the astounding work.

I must admit I just stood there open mouthed for a while before composing myself enough to take this photo.

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Image data

Filename - florence sculpture 05.jpg

Camera - Canon EOS 5D

Lens - 24-105mm zoom @ 55mm

Exposure - 1/8sec @ f4, ISO1600

Location - Florence, Italy

This image - 503x800px JPEG

Conversion - ACR & PS-CS2

Comments - Lens stabilisation and high ISO used to prevent blur with hand held exposure.