Tarquin and Lucretia 

Mariano Fortuny Marsal painted "Tarquin and Lucretia" in oils on canvas. This depiction echoes historical, often male-authored, narratives of female victimhood, particularly focusing on moments of sexual violence. Here, Lucretia is shown as Tarquin threatens her with a dagger, a scene fraught with the power dynamics of gender and class. Tarquin, a member of the Roman ruling class, uses his position to violate Lucretia, a noblewoman, highlighting how power structures enable abuse. The male gaze, historically prevalent in art, frames Lucretia's vulnerability, inviting viewers to witness her trauma. The scene is not merely a depiction of violence, it's a reflection of societal attitudes towards women, honor, and power. Lucretia's subsequent suicide, often interpreted as an act of preserving her honor, further entrenches the tragic narrative of women defined by their violation. Consider how this painting, through its intense emotional charge, challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about historical power imbalances, and female agency.