After being raped by the king of Rome's son, Tarquin, Lucretia kills herself in front of her father and husband. They hold her body while her cousin, Brutus screams for vengeance, the bloody dagger in his hand.

On this occasion, Rosales returned to classical history as subject matter for a painting, alluding to the events that followed Brutus' vengeance, leading to the ancient Rome's transition from monarchy to republic.

This work was presented at the National Exhibition of 1871 and won a first prize, thanks to the modernity of its approach. Its wide, paint-laden brush strokes are totally compatible with firm and strong drawing. Moreover, the thrilling use of light in its chiaroscuros brings out the figures while leaving the room in semidarkness, which helps to create the desired dramatic effect, making this one of the artist's most remarkable paintings.