Lukretia, der støder dolken i sit bryst 1671 - 1738

Hendrik Krock made this drawing of Lucretia with pencil, some time between 1686-1738. It depicts a mythological Roman noblewoman whose suicide became a symbol of female virtue and a catalyst for political change. Lucretia, violated by the king's son, is shown here choosing death over dishonor. Krock's delicate rendering captures the emotional intensity of her final moments, as she prepares to plunge the dagger into her chest. In the historical context of Krock's time, Lucretia was seen as an exemplar of female chastity and moral rectitude, but let's consider how such a narrative of sexual assault and suicide might be viewed through a contemporary lens. Does Lucretia's suicide empower her, or does it trap her within a patriarchal script that values female purity above all else? Krock's drawing compels us to reflect on the complexities of female agency, and the heavy burden of honor placed upon women throughout history.