The painting depicts the abduction of the daughters of Leucippus by the brothers Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology. Castor, armored, is recognizable by his armor and calmness, while Pollux is a boxer, shown with his upper body exposed, and his horse is lively and rearing. The figures of the daughters, Phoebe and Hilaeira, have no clear attributes, making their identification difficult. The painting is also known for its humorous interpretation in the sketch 'Marriage Counseling'.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Peter Paul Rubens

  • Date of birth and death

    28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640

  • Natinality

    Flemish

  • Style

    Flemish Baroque painting, dynamic compositions, vivid coloring, sensuous forms

  • Significant works

    The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Night Watch, The Fall of Man, Marie de’ Medici cycle, The Three Graces

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1618

  • Execution technique:

    oil on canvas

  • Location:

    Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany

  • Theme:

    Baroque, mythological painting, Greek mythology, abduction, fight, passion

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The work presents a dynamic and dramatic abduction scene, focusing on contrasts of emotion and movement. The composition emphasizes the tension between the strength and the defenseless position of Leucippus's daughters, as well as symbolism of transience and fate.

The key to interpreting the work

The analysis should consider the mythological context, Baroque expression of movement and color, as well as the significance of character attributes and symbolism of the present elements.

See other works by this artist

Democritus

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1603
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Equestrian Portrait of the Duke of Lerma

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1603
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The Baptism of Christ

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1605
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Portrait of Gaspard Schoppins

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1604-1605
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Hero and Leander

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1604-1605
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The Circumcision of Christ

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1605
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The Fall of Phaeton

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1604-1605
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Samson and Delilah

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1609-1610
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The Elevation of the Cross

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1610
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Descent from the Cross - triptych

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1612-1614
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Hippopotamus and Crocodile Hunt

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1615-1616
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The Judgment of Paris

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1636
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Massacre of the Innocents

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1637
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Adam and Eve

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1597
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The Battle of the Amazons

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1600
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Leda and the Swan

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1598-1600
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Laocoon and His Sons

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1601
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Portrait of a man

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1602
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Aeneas And His Family Departing From Troy

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1602-1603
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Charles V in Armour

  • Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Year: 1603
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