Death of Lucretia
1794
oil
From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw
1794
oil
From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw
In this painting, a woman sits on a chair, her chest exposed and a cloth draped over her lap. She appears to be in distress, with her head tilted back and her eyes closed. A man stands behind her, holding a dagger in his right hand and pointing upwards with his left. Another man, dressed in a red robe, stands to the right of the woman, looking up at the dagger. The scene is set against a dark background, with the figures illuminated by a faint light. The woman's expression suggests a sense of despair or resignation, while the man holding the dagger appears to be in a state of agitation. The red-robed figure seems to be observing the scene with a sense of detachment. This painting is reminiscent of the works of Franciszek Smuglewicz, who was known for his use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic and emotive scenes.