On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P04613
- Author
- Rosales Gallina, Eduardo (Spanish)
- Title
- The Death of Lucretia
- Chronology
- 1871
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 258 cm x 347 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COMPRA
- Procedence
- Acquisition, 1882
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.
Location on the map
