Tarquin and Lucretia

The dramatic oil on canvas painting, Tarquin and Lucretia, was created by the renowned Venetian master Tintoretto (Jacopo Robusti; Italian, 1518-1594) between 1578 and 1580. This significant work exemplifies the high emotionalism and dynamic compositional style characteristic of late 16th-century Italian Mannerism, positioning the artist as a key figure bridging the High Renaissance and the subsequent Baroque era.

Tintoretto depicts the climactic, violent moment from the classical Roman legend where Sextus Tarquinius, son of the Roman king, assaults the chaste Lucretia. The composition is highly theatrical, employing sharp diagonals and a palpable sense of struggle to heighten the tension and psychological drama of the narrative. Typical of the artist’s mature style, the surface features rapid, energetic brushwork and highly textural application of oil paint, prioritizing motion and immediate impact over a polished finish. The sumptuous fabrics, particularly the rich reds and whites, and the intense spotlighting on the figures create a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, drawing the viewer into the violent intimacy of the encounter.

The power and psychological depth of this canvas solidify its importance within Tintoretto’s late career output. This major work remains a cornerstone of the European painting collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the enduring influence of classical antiquity on art of the 16th century. As a masterwork of the period, the painting is frequently studied, and high-quality fine art prints derived from the historical subject Tarquin and Lucretia are widely sought after. Due to the work’s cultural significance and frequent institutional reproduction, certain images related to this pivotal piece are now often distributed for educational use, sometimes entering the public domain.