Artwork
Death of Lucretia
Death of Lucretia is a print by the Romanticist artist Robert Dunkarton. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1926.208
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Frederck C. Merrick
About this work
Overview
The print 'Death of Lucretia' is a mezzotint engraving created by Robert Dunkarton in 1770. It exemplifies his skill as a printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the death of Lucretia, a classical subject, with two women in a dimly lit room. The older woman holds a dagger and appears sorrowful, while the younger woman is partially draped and looks up, suggesting a tragic moment.
Technique & Style
Dunkarton employed chiaroscuro, a lighting technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and convey emotion. The soft lighting on the women's faces against a dark background adds to the emotional impact.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Dunkarton (1744 – c. January 1815) was an English mezzotint engraver. He was born in London and was a pupil of Pether, and painted a few portraits, some of which, as also some portraits in crayons, were exhibited…
