The Death of Lucretia, from Allen's "New and Impartial Roman History"

The Death of Lucretia, from Allen's "New and Impartial Roman History" is an impactful engraving created by William Blake in 1797. This print, executed for the ambitious historical publication by George Allen, demonstrates Blake’s skill as a commercial illustrator alongside his profound artistic interests in classical and morally resonant narratives. The technical mastery required for 18th-century engraving is evident in the precise linework and dramatic tonal contrasts used to define the emotional tension of the scene.

The subject illustrates the tragic climax of the Roman legend concerning Lucretia, whose suicide following her rape by Sextus Tarquinius catalyzed the establishment of the Roman Republic and the overthrow of the Tarquin monarchy. Blake depicts the pivotal moment of her self-sacrifice. The illuminated female figure dominates the composition, having just plunged the dagger into her chest. The surrounding men, horrified witnesses including her distraught husband and father, react dynamically to her sudden death. Blake captures the extreme emotion associated with civic honor and tragedy, transforming an act of personal violation into a major turning point in Roman history.

This work highlights Blake’s significant contribution to British book illustration during the late 18th century. As a powerful example of the artist’s graphic production, this specific print resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its inclusion in Allen’s New and Impartial Roman History underscores the cultural importance of the print medium for widely disseminating foundational historical and moral narratives. Today, reproductions of this work are often available through public domain archives, ensuring researchers and enthusiasts access to Blake's masterful interpretations of classical tragedy.