Suicide of Lucretia 1500 - 1525

Editor: So, this is "The Suicide of Lucretia," an oil painting from somewhere between 1500 and 1525, by Meester met de Papegaai – which, I admit, just sounds way cooler than saying "Master with the Parrot!" It’s… intense. There’s such drama in her expression, but also a kind of still resignation. What jumps out at you when you look at this? Curator: What jumps? You said 'jump'? It doesn’t feel right for this… Still waters, I reckon, run deepest in “Lucretia”. She's no longer thrashing but stares blankly ahead, like she has found herself in a nightmare she can not awake from. The cool metal, a serpent she is hugging to herself for warmth… She’s both determined and so vulnerable all at once. It is like time has stopped, but her chest is heaving under her delicate necklaces. But maybe, time is up. Does it makes you wonder about her story? Editor: Definitely. I know the story involves some… unwanted advances and a noble suicide as a result. It's sad to see this dramatic, fatal moment immortalized here in oils. The high contrast certainly adds to the severity, too, don't you think? Curator: Severity, maybe. The stark contrast makes Lucretia luminous in this deep, yawning dark… she glows, yet we all know her flame will snuff at any moment. That glow might be the last spark of dignity as she sees it snuffed. She has a delicate power in a dark world. And this play with darkness, this chiaroscuro… Don't you get a feeling that it almost protects her at the same time? A weird mix of brutal visibility and almost womb-like enclosure. Is there solace here, I wonder, or a last gasp? Editor: I see what you mean. It's both exposing and sheltering. That definitely adds another layer to it all. Thanks for your thoughts on it! Curator: My absolute pleasure! Let's find some other dark corners to rummage in. What's next on our list?