De ontvoering van Lucretia c. 1618 - 1622

Gerard ter Borch’s sketch, made with pen and brown ink, depicts the abduction of Lucretia. The story of Lucretia held significant political weight in the Dutch Republic during the 17th century. Lucretia, a noblewoman of ancient Rome, was raped by Sextus Tarquinius, an act that led to her suicide and, according to legend, the overthrow of the Roman monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic. In the context of the Dutch Republic's struggle for independence from Spanish rule, Lucretia’s story resonated with the Dutch desire for freedom from tyranny. The Dutch Republic, established through revolt against Habsburg rule, saw itself as a new republic, free from monarchical oppression. The tale of Lucretia would have served as a warning against the dangers of absolute power. Studying the use of classical imagery in the art of the Dutch Republic helps us to understand the era’s political ideals.