Verkrachting van Lucretia 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart’s small engraving, *The Rape of Lucretia,* presents a scene of intense action rendered through a network of fine lines. The composition, dominated by a struggle between figures, uses stark contrasts of light and shadow to heighten the drama. The textures, meticulously etched, range from the smoothness of skin to the rougher fabrics, evoking a tactile sense of the scene. The arrangement of figures isn't just narrative; it’s a study in power dynamics. The diagonal lines of the bodies create a sense of instability and conflict, reflecting the violent act depicted. The classical subject matter is mediated through the formal elements of the print, where the very lines contribute to a discourse on virtue, violation, and visual representation. This print challenges us to look beyond the story and consider how formal decisions can amplify or even destabilize established meanings, engaging in broader cultural and philosophical questions about art and its role in representing difficult subjects.