The Intervention of the Sabine Women by Jacques Louis David 2.5 oz Silver Coin (Copy)

2.5 oz 999 Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 10000 Francs CFA

Jacques-Louis David’s “The Intervention of the Sabine Women” is a revered neoclassical painting that captures a pivotal moment in Roman mythology. Completed in 1799, the artwork is a testament to David’s artistic prowess and his ability to blend historical storytelling with the political and cultural themes of his time. This masterpiece stands as a symbol of reconciliation, heroism, and the power of diplomacy over violence.

The painting is based on the legendary episode of the Sabine women, a tale that dates back to the early days of Rome. According to Roman mythology, after the founding of Rome by Romulus, the city faced a severe shortage of women, threatening its survival. In response, Romulus and his men orchestrated the abduction of women from the neighboring Sabine tribe during a festival. Initially captured against their will, the Sabine women eventually integrated into Roman society, marrying their captors and bearing children. Years later, the Sabine men led by King Tatius, waged a war against Rome to reclaim their women. The pinnacle of the story occurs when the Sabine women, now wives and mothers, intervened in the battlefield. Placing themselves between their warring fathers and husbands, they pleaded for peace to prevent further bloodshed. Their courageous act leads to reconciliation and the eventual unification of the Sabines and Romans.

David’s painting masterfully captures the dramatic moment of intervention – focusing on the emotional confrontation between the opposing forces, with the Sabine women as the focal point. Hersilia, the wife of Romulus and daughter of the Sabine king, stands prominently in the centre, her arms outstretched in a desperate plea for peace. Her white, flowing garments represent purity and virtue, reinforcing her role as a peacemaker. Romulus, depicted to the left in a red cloak, wields a spear, poised for battle. On the right, while Tatius and his men are in combat stances, they are visibly conflicted by the women’s intervention. The contrast between the aggressive stances of the men and the pleading gestures of the women heightens the painting’s emotional intensity. The employment of classical influences in the architecture, drapery, and idealized figures reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and the use of chiaroscuro (contrast between light and shadow) further enhances the depth and dynamism of the scene, making the figures appear lifelike and animated. 

Beyond its mythological narrative, the women’s intervention is symbolic of the power of reason and diplomacy over brute force. As one of David’s most significant neoclassical works, the painting transcends its historical setting and remains a timeless representation of conflict resolution and the enduring role of women as mediators in times of crisis – where true strength lies not in domination but in the ability to reconcile and unite.

On a canvas of 165 x 125mm, a new minting technique called “Tri-Metal” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 750g of Zinc as a center layer and 120g of copper as a base with a top layer of 2.5 oz of 999 fine Silver, resulting in a high relief. This is a limited edition of 399 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.