BOTTICELLI, Sandro
(b. 1445, Firenze, d. 1510, Firenze)

The Story of Lucretia

1496-1504
Tempera and oil on panel, 84 x 180 cm
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

While her husband is away, the virtuous Lucretia is raped by Tarquinius, the king's son. On the right we see how she is found unconscious by her husband and his companions. In order to save her honour she takes her own life. On the heroines bier in the centre of the picture, Brutus is calling on the army to take revenge. The revolt will lead to the fall of the kingdom of Rome.