The Death of Lucretia
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1502
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows Lucretia stabbing herself after being assaulted. Blood drips from her wound onto white sheets. A man’s worried face peeks behind a curtain. Israhel van Meckenem made this after seeing an earlier engraving by another artist. He copied the pose but added more detail and layers to the background. Small patterns and textures fill the scene. If you like this sharp linework, try another of his prints or visit the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
