1627 (ca.), Artemisia Gentileschi, Lucretia -- Getty Museum (Los Angeles)
From the museum label: Lucretia emerges from the shadows and grasps a dagger, aiming it at her chest. The beauty of her translucent skin, the pearls in her hair, the luxurious fabrics--all contrast with the horror of what is about to happen. This legendary hero was the wife of an ancient Roman nobleman. After being raped by the son of the king of Rome, she called for vengeance before taking her own life, refusing to live as an unchaste woman. Anger and grief over Lucretia's death led to a rebellion that brought down the corrupted monarchy and made her a martyr for freedom. Lucretia became an enduring symbol of female strength, and her story likely had personal resonance for the artist: like Lucretia, Artemisia Gentileschi had experienced sexual violence as a young woman.
1627 (ca.), Artemisia Gentileschi, Lucretia -- Getty Museum (Los Angeles)
From the museum label: Lucretia emerges from the shadows and grasps a dagger, aiming it at her chest. The beauty of her translucent skin, the pearls in her hair, the luxurious fabrics--all contrast with the horror of what is about to happen. This legendary hero was the wife of an ancient Roman nobleman. After being raped by the son of the king of Rome, she called for vengeance before taking her own life, refusing to live as an unchaste woman. Anger and grief over Lucretia's death led to a rebellion that brought down the corrupted monarchy and made her a martyr for freedom. Lucretia became an enduring symbol of female strength, and her story likely had personal resonance for the artist: like Lucretia, Artemisia Gentileschi had experienced sexual violence as a young woman.