Lucretia
Original title: Lucretia
kurzbeschreibung
A woman stands with arms flung wide, the right hand seemingly holding something, the left reaching upward. This sheet by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi), dated 1508–10, is drawn in pen and brown ink over black chalk, with some lines incised by stylus. It shows the Roman heroine Lucretia, who took her own life after being violated.
Description
Her arms open expansively: the right hand appears to grasp an object, while the left stretches high. A simple, loosely falling garment plays around the body's forms, and short, wavy hair frames her face and head. Crisp contours and shading bring out the muscular structure and the figure's movement. The background stays minimal, so the figure stands out clearly.
Context
Raphael probably drew this sheet around 1508–10, during his time in Florence or Rome. The black chalk rubbed on the verso for transfer suggests the drawing served as a preparatory study for a painting or print. Lucretia was a popular subject in the Renaissance, symbolizing virtue and self-sacrifice. The sheet may relate to a commission for a work on Roman history.
Impact
Lucretia's expressive pose commands attention, heightened by the sparse background. The union of clear contours and soft shading yields a lively, almost sculptural presence. Her movement and emotion communicate directly.
Technique
Pen and brown ink over black chalk define the execution, with some lines incised with a stylus. On the back, black chalk has been rubbed to prepare the drawing for transfer. This working method reveals Raphael's careful approach and his ability to model complex forms with simple materials.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)