Tarquin and Lucretia
1697 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts a dramatic scene from Roman history involving Tarquin and Lucretia, characterized by strong chiaroscuro. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art.
Did you know?
This painting depicts the legendary event that served as the catalyst for the overthrow of the Roman monarchy and the founding of the Roman Republic. Giuseppe Maria Crespi, a prominent late Baroque painter from Bologna, uses dramatic light and shadow to emphasize the tension of the moment, highlighting his mastery of the genre. The work is noted for its expressive handling of paint and the emotional intensity conveyed through the subjects' poses.
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Tarquin and Lucretia
Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1697
