Classical Subject (Lucretia's Dead Body is Carried by her Husband, Lead by her Mourning Father) 1770s

This ink drawing by John Hamilton Mortimer, titled “Classical Subject (Lucretia’s Dead Body is Carried by her Husband, Lead by her Mourning Father),” depicts a dramatic scene from Roman history. The artwork, created in the 1770s, showcases Mortimer’s skill in capturing the emotional intensity of the event. The composition centers around a group of figures, including a grieving father leading the procession carrying Lucretia’s body. Mortimer uses gestural lines and dynamic poses to convey the sorrow and turmoil experienced by those present, reflecting the prevailing neoclassical style popular during his time. The drawing, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the tragic story of Lucretia and her powerful impact on Roman history.