2 Samuel 13:1—22
This text tells the horrible story of the rape of Tamar, daughter of David, by her half-brother, Amnon. The story focusses on the roles of the men surrounding her, as her brother, Absolom takes vengeance on the rapist.
How does Alexandre Cabanel’s 1875 portrayal of Tamar and Absolom (above) reflect this male-centric perspective of the text?
Tamar
Books you may find helpful
 
 
Cabanel’s “Thamar et Absalon” is new housed at Musée d'Orsay, Paris.
 
Le Sueur’s “The Rape of Tamar” can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
 
Eustache Le Sueur (1640) provided a vivid interpretation of Amnon’s assault capturing the lust-turned-to-rage element of the story, again focussing on the male emotions (below).
What would be different if we could hear the story told from Tamar’s perspective?
Return to Class Home Page