The Art Institute of Chicago
Tarquin and Lucretia
Description
According to Roman history, the rape of the virtuous matron Lucretia by Tarquin, son of the Roman king, incited the people to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic around 510 BCE. Lucretia was hailed as a hero for subsequently committing suicide in an attempt to avoid any perceived dishonor to her family. Tintoretto depicted one of the most violent moments of the story with his characteristic expressive distortions of anatomy and space and vibrant treatment of light: As Tarquin and Lucretia struggle, a pillow flies through the air, her pearl necklace breaks apart, and the fabric and carved posts of the bed’s canopy collapse around them.
Provenance
Possibly Antonio Tronsarelli, Rome (died 1601) ["Un quadro grande in tela colorito a olio di Tarquinio quando Viola Lucretia di mano del Tentoretto (sic)"; see Matteo Lafranconi, "Antonio Tronsarelli: A Roman collector of the late sixteenth century," Burlington Magazine 140 (1998), p. 545, no. (5)]. Private collection, France [according to Illustrated London News, 4 December 1937]. Robert Lebel, Paris, by 1937 [Illustrated London News, 4 December 1937]. Richard Goetz, Paris and New York, by 1939 [1939 Knoedler exh. cat.]. Sold by E. and A. Silberman Galleries, New York, to the Art Institute, 1949.
Dimensions
175 × 151.5 cm (68 7/8 × 59 5/8 in.)
Movement / Period
Accession No
64920
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Tintoretto (Jacopo Robusti; Italian, 1518-1594)
sixteenth century • Italy • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery