Tuccia bewijst haar onschuld c. 1595 - 1654

This engraving, "Tuccia Bewijst Haar Onschuld," was created by Theodoor Galle around the late 16th to early 17th century. The composition draws us into a world of classical antiquity, rendered in the graphic precision characteristic of Galle's time. The figures are densely packed and highly detailed. The textures of fabrics, foliage, and flowing water are meticulously captured. The engraving presents a tripartite division, with Tuccia on the left, a river god at the center, and a figure of Roma on the right. Tuccia's act of purification takes center stage, as the river god pours water to prove her innocence. Here, water operates as a signifier of purity. The formal arrangement of figures and the symmetry of the composition suggest a carefully constructed moral narrative. Ultimately, Galle's "Tuccia Bewijst Haar Onschuld" functions not only as an artistic representation, but also as a cultural and philosophical commentary. The artist engages with ideas about virtue, honor, and the display of power.