Lucretia committing Suicide

According to the legend Lucretia was raped by the son of the Roman king whereupon she committed suicide. The event led to the fall of the Royal house and the foundation of the Roman Republic. The heroine is shown here as a standing half-length figure in contemporary dress. Her body is turned slightly to the left, as is her head and gaze. Lucretia holds the dagger in her right gloved hand with the point directed towards herself. It has wounded her just below her breast. Her left hand holds the fur trimmed cloak to cover her prudenda. Her torso is exposed, but her arms remain in the sleeves of her gown. To complement her attire she is wearing a broad choker set with precious stones and pearls and her locks are concealed beneath a pearl snood. The background consists of a draped curtain. An arch and the capitals of two pillars are visible just above the curtain rail.

[cda 2022]