Lucretia en Sextus 1586

This print, “Lucretia en Sextus,” of unknown origin, depicts a chilling scene. It's based on the ancient Roman story of Lucretia, a noblewoman, and Sextus Tarquinius, the prince who rapes her. The narrative, steeped in patriarchal values, revolves around Lucretia's purity and the shame brought upon her by Sextus's actions. What's striking is how this story became a cornerstone in the foundation of the Roman Republic. Lucretia, after revealing the assault to her husband and father, commits suicide, an act that then incites a revolt against the Tarquin monarchy. In a way, her body becomes a political battleground. The image doesn't just show a moment of violence; it encapsulates a complex interplay of power, gender, and virtue. Lucretia's story, though tragic, was used to justify a new political order, one built on the very ideals of honor and justice that were supposedly violated. Consider how such stories are used, then and now, to manipulate public sentiment and enforce certain moral codes.