[Upper wrapper (= title leaf)] - [Text, 'Rape Of The Sabines'] - [2 pl.].
Responsibility Note
Both plates are signed as painted by N. Poussin and etched by H. Moses. Sir Richard writes in his text that 'the two Studies ... were copied in the year 1812, from the original painting by Samuel Woodforde, Esq. R.A., and have been etched ... by ... Mr. Moses'.
References
H. Brigstocke, 'Poussin's Triumph of Pan and Rape of the Sabines', in A. Int., 26:4 (1983), p.12-15.
A study of Samuel Woodforde was W. Drummond, Samuel Woodforde, Royal Academician, 1763-1817 [exhibition catalogue] (1989).
Summary Note
There is no title page. Our title is that printed on the upper wrapper (which forms the first leaf of the Royal Academy's copy). No imprint is given with the title; but the text is signed as by 'Richard Colt Hoare. Stourhead, 1814.'
The story of the abduction of Sabine women by the ancient Romans, told by Livy and Plutarch, has been treated by several sculptors and painters, such as Giambologna, Poussin, Rubens, David and Picasso. Poussin painted two versions of the subject - one in 1634-5 (now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York), the other in 1637-8 (now in the Louvre).
In the late 17th century some French critics had ranged themselves as either 'Poussinistes' or 'Rubénistes'. In the time at which Sir Richard Hoare was writing Poussin was much admired by 'neoclassical' painters such as David and Ingres. Sir Richard's account of the painting draws attention to its composition, expression of feeling and, in his judgment, a greater than usual strength of coloring.
Provenance
The upper wrapper is inscribed in ink, 'Prince Hoare Esqr with Sir Richard Hoare's compts'. This inscription is not accompanied by a date and it is not clear whether the gift was made to Prince Hoare personally was intended for the Royal Academy, of which Prince Hoare was Secretary for Foreign Correspondence from 1799 to 1834. The book is not recorded in neither the 1821 nor the 1841 printed library catalogues and the fact that the front pastedown is inscribed in pencil 'ChE' [i.e. Charles Eastlake] strongly suggests that it entered the collection sometime during the latter's tenure as RA Librarian (i.e. between 13 July 1842 and 18 December 1844).
Binding Note
19th-century half calf, brown cloth-covered boards; rebacked in 20th century, spine lettered 'RA Woodforde. Studies From Nicholas Poussin'.
Abduction - Romans - Sabines - Italy - History
History paintings - Italy - Lazio - Rome - 17th century
Collections - Great Britain - Wiltshire - Stourton - Stourhead - 19th century
Art criticism - Great Britain - 19th century
Pictorial works - Great Britain - 19th century