Who painted Lucretia?

Lucretia was painted by Giovanni David in 1776.

Where can I see Lucretia?

Lucretia is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lucretia?

Lucretia is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Lucretia

Giovanni David , 1776

Lucretia is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giovanni David. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lucretia is a print created by Giovanni David around 1776, utilizing etching and aquatint techniques on laid paper. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman, identified as Lucretia, reclining on a couch with her body turned away and her face obscured. Her tense, draped pose, accompanied by a dagger in one hand, alludes to the ancient Roman legend of Lucretia, which symbolizes betrayal, sacrifice, and tragic fate.

Technique & Style

David employed innovative techniques for his time, combining etching and aquatint to achieve soft, expressive shading and dramatic lighting effects, lending the scene a near-three-dimensional depth.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1776, the work's provenance prior to its acquisition by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, is not detailed here.

Context

The subject matter aligns with 18th-century artistic interests in classical themes and emotional intensity, while the technical approach reflects the period's advancements in printmaking.