Artwork
Death of Lucretia
Death of Lucretia is a print by the Romanticist artist Robert Dunkarton. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The print 'Death of Lucretia' is a mezzotint engraving created by Robert Dunkarton in 1770. It exemplifies his skill as a printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the death of Lucretia, a classical subject, with two women in a dimly lit room. The older woman holds a dagger and appears sorrowful, while the younger woman is partially draped and looks up, suggesting a tragic moment.
Technique & Style
Dunkarton employed chiaroscuro, a lighting technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and convey emotion. The soft lighting on the women's faces against a dark background adds to the emotional impact.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Dunkarton (1744 – c. January 1815) was an English mezzotint engraver. He was born in London and was a pupil of Pether, and painted a few portraits, some of which, as also some portraits in crayons, were exhibited…
