Lucretia

The painting depicts Lucretia as a standing, half-length nude figure with an overcoat.

Lucretia has inclined her head slightly to the right and she stares into the far distance. Her left arm is raised and with her hand she touches her hair. Her right hand points the dagger almost horizontal and touches a point between her breasts.

Lucretia wears an embroidered fur-trimmed overcoat. Beneath this a transparent undergarment is visible. Her blond hair is pinned up and covered with transparent veil. She wears numerous pieces of jewellery: a long thick chain, two shorter thin chains, a chain necklace, a bracelet and three rings.

The background is dark.

According to the legend Lucretia lived in the 6th century BC and was the beautiful and virtuous wife of the roman Collatinus. The roman King's son - Sextus Tarquinius fell in love with her. During a stay in her house Sextus threatened to kill her and shame her honour if she did not surrender to him. After the rape Lucretia had her father and husband vow vengeance and then she stabbed herself. The event led to an uprising in which the royal family was overthrown and the Roman Empire became a Republic.

Depictions of Lucretia who was seen as the epitomy of female virtue, chastity, fidelity and honour enjoyed great popularity, particularly in the 16th century.

[Literature: Bierende 2002, Follak 2002, Livius 1909]