Tarpeia Crushed by the Sabines

Art Historical Context

Agostino Veneziano’s engraving “Tarpeia Crushed by the Sabines” captures a dramatic episode from early Roman legend. According to the story, the Roman maiden Tarpeia betrayed the city to the invading Sabines in exchange for what they wore on their left arms—only to be crushed beneath their heavy shields. Working in the first half of the sixteenth century, Veneziano (also known as Agostino dei Musi) was among the leading reproductive engravers of the Italian Renaissance, translating paintings and designs by masters such as Raphael into finely detailed prints. The medium itself is significant: ...