Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606 - 1669), Lucretia, 1664, oil on canvas
The tragic story of Lucretia, recounted by Livy, took place in Rome in the sixth century BC during the reign of the tyrannical ruler Tarquinius Superbus. Rembrandt portrays Lucretia in utter anguish, right before her act of suicide. The tension surrounding that awful moment poignantly captures the moral dilemma of a woman forced to choose between life and honor. Lucretia's husband, Collatinus, had boasted to his fellow soldiers that her loyalty and virtue were greater than that of their wives. Taking him up on the challenge, the men immediately rode to Rome where they discovered Lucretia and her handmaidens spinning wool. Lucretia's very virtue enflamed the desire of Sextus Tarquinius, son of the tyrant, who secretly returned to the house a few days later. Lucretia received him as an honored guest, but he later betrayed that hospitality by entering her chamber and threatening to kill her if she did not yield to him. The next day Lucretia summoned her father and husband, disclosed what had happened, and told them that, even though they deemed her an innocent victim, she was determined to end her life in order to reclaim her honor. Lucretia then drew a knife from her robe, drove it into her heart, and died. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Lucretia’s father, her husband, and two accompanying friends swore to avenge her death. Lucretia's death triggered a revolt that led to the creation of the Roman Republic.
Discover more Old Masters in the following collections:
This artwork doesn't have reviews yet.
3,731 customer rate us with a 4.7 / 5
With its modern and thin frame, available in the colors black, white, gold and silver, you mount an amazing looking artwork on your wall. And the size is not a limitations as you order it in 15 x 3 metres.
Time for a new look? Order a replacement print for your frame and you easily create a new look! Sustainable and affordable!
Are acoustics an issue? Choose for the optional sound absorbing panels and improve the acoustics.
You will find more about ArtFrame and the other materials at: