The episode represented in this painting was recounted by Livy, and was often chosen as an exemplum virtutis, an image invested with a moralising message. Lucretia killed herself after being raped by Sextus Tarquinius. Before committing suicide, she encouraged the Romans to take revenge and to overthrow Sextus's father, Tarquinius Superbus. The bearded man could be either her husband Collatinus, or Junius Brutus who led the revolts.
- TitleThe Death of Lucretia
- Object numberB.M.941
- Collection
- Creator
- Production placeNetherlands
- Date1538 - 1544
- Production period16th century
- School/styleFlemish
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions
- Length: 91.4 cm
- Width: 69.8 cm
- Length: Frame 118 cm
- Width: Frame 96 cm
- Depth: Frame 9 cm