An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Lucretia1666
Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
Dutch, 1606 - 1669
Allegory. Lucretia, portrait of a young woman, seconds after taking her own life, holding knife in right hand, blood-stained chemise, left hand grasps bell cord.
43 3/8 x 36 5/16 in. (110.17 x 92.28 cm) (canvas)
59 1/4 x 52 5/16 x 4 1/2 in. (150.5 x 132.87 x 11.43 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In the dim light of the gallery, viewers are drawn to a haunting masterpiece that speaks volumes without uttering a word. It is Rembrandt’s portrayal of Lucretia, an image bursting with sorrow and sacrifice. Her gaze, solemn and filled with an enduring sadness, invites us into her tragic story.
The details are striking: the traces of crimson staining her gown—each drop a testament to the unbearable weight of her choices. In her delicate hand, she grips a dagger, its blade gleaming ominously—a symbol of her desperation and courage. This poignant scene unfolds from a time long past, yet its echoes resonate in the hearts of those who stand before it.
Lucretia, the wife of a Roman nobleman, epitomized loyalty and virtue in a world fraught with turmoil. But her life took a devastating turn when Sextus Tarquinius, the son of the ruling tyrant, violated her honor. The tragedy deepens as she reveals this heinous act to her husband and father, hoping to share her burden, seeking justice in a time when such a thing was all too rare.
In their presence, her decision becomes clear. Faced with the unthinkable, Lucretia chooses death over dishonor. To her, a woman’s perceived virtue was a treasure more precious than life itself—a belief that shackled her in a world dominated by patriarchal power. Her act is one of both rebellion and despair, stirring within us a profound reflection on her plight.
As we gaze into her eyes, we can’t help but ask ourselves: what would we have done in her place? The painting brings us to a standstill, urging us to confront the harsh realities of honor, shame, and the price of virtue. Through Rembrandt’s brush, Lucretia’s sacrifice becomes not just a part of history, but an enduring narrative that continues to challenge our understanding of strength and vulnerability.
About the artist
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