Tarquin and Lucrezia
1771–1844
Medium
Pen and black ink
Dimensions
5 3/8 x 7in. (13.7 x 17.8cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Cephas G. Thompson, 1887
Accession Number
87.12.174
Tags
Art Historical Context
Vincenzo Camuccini1771–1844), a leading Italian Neoclassical artist and director of the Vatican Picture Gallery, captured a dramatic moment from ancient Roman history in *Tarquin and Lucrezia The scene depicts the infamous encounter between Sextus Tarquinius, son of the last Roman king, and the virtuous Lucretia, tragic assault and subsequent suicide sparked the overthrow of the monarchy and the birth of the Roman Republic. This pen and black ink drawing, measuring just 5⅜ × 7 inches, exemplifies Camuccini's mastery of historical subjects, blending classical ideals of beauty with intense emoti...
About the Artist
Vincenzo Camuccini · 1771–1844
Comment on works: Portraits; History