17th century Roman (Italian) School “The Suicide of Lucretia” Oil on Canvas

Fine Art : Paintings : Oil

 

Late 17th century Roman (Italian) School; “The Suicide of Lucretia”; oil on canvas; unsigned; in a reproduction carved giltwood frame by Sebastian Dorsai, London; 110 x 85cm (43 x 33.5ins) sight (visible canvas) size; 131 x 106cm (51.5 x 41.5ins) overall frame size.

The death or suicide of Lucretia has been the subject of paintings by many great artists and this fine and dramatic Baroque example is particularly interesting as it does not appear to be strongly influenced by the works of earlier masters. The composition may hint of similarity with the 1561 work by Bernaert De Ryckere (Flemish 1535-1590) and the figure of Lucretia here bears a passing resemblance to Paolo Veronese's Lucrezia of c.1585, but this is probably no more than coincidence. Much to my regret, I simply do not have the time for further research, but suspect it might prove rewarding.

Here, the deed has been done. Lucretia holds the poignard or dagger in her right hand. Of the four figures in the painting, she alone is brightly lit and her diaphanous shift is quite exquisite, subtly revealing her full, naturalistically painted figure. She is supported by a female figure, richly dressed and, like Lucretia, wearing a tiara. There is a further weeping female figure to the left of the painting, and a black male figure lower right. These latter two figures do not appear as well painted, the woman's fingers somewhat sausage-like and the male rather one dimensional. Perhaps these have been affected by old restoration or more probably this was studio work, with these secondary background figures added by apprentices after the central figures had been painted by a senior artist.

The legendary rape and suicide of Lucretia is credited as the event which led to the foundation of the Roman Republic. She was a model of Roman feminine virtue but attracted the lust of Sextus Tarquin, the son of the king, Tarquinius Superbus, to the point that he arranged to accost her in private. When she resisted his pleas, he threatened to place her naked, dead body beside that of a male slave in the same state so that it would look like adultery. The threat worked and Lucretia permitted the violation. Following the rape, Lucretia told her male relatives, elicited a promise for revenge, and stabbed herself. Shortly afterwards the Romans rebelled and overthrew their king, and the Roman Republic began.

CONDITION: The painting has an old (19th century) lining. It has been cleaned by our conservators who have also patched 2 small tears at the left side. Examination under UV light clearly picks up the minor retouching associated with this repair and, more faintly, earlier scattered retouching, probably associated with the relining, but no apparent over-painting. There are two, possibly three layers of old varnish which fluoresce in variable shades as patches of opaque green under UV light, making it hard to see whether there is any older restoration or perhaps further detail in the darker background. The frame is a good quality reproduction, in excellent condition, but perhaps the painting deserves something more appropriate to its period, such as a good reproduction or antique Florentine frame.

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Item ID: RL-6011