Lucretia is depicted as a half-length figure in contemporary clothing and wearing contemporary accessories. She is represented seated with her torso exposed.
Lucretia has her hair pinned up and her head is inclined slightly to the left of the painting, whereas she looks at the viewer.
She wears a white
Lucretia is depicted as a half-length figure in contemporary clothing and wearing contemporary accessories. She is represented seated with her torso exposed.
Lucretia has her hair pinned up and her head is inclined slightly to the left of the painting, whereas she looks at the viewer.
She wears a white undergarment and a fur-trimmed cloak over her shoulders. Her left hand rests on her lap, while in her right hand she holds the long dagger. This is pointed upwards.
Lucretia wears a chain with a pendant around her neck.
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]
