Maestro Cagnacci is a new discovery for me - one I made researching this series about Lucretia. This painting was sold this year (2007) for a staggering 1,4 Million Euros.

Lucretia in her final moments: rapped and dishonored - ready to end her life. Compared to Titian’s, Rembrandt’s and Botticelli’s attempts this one is reigns supreme. It really looks like a snapshot of her last few seconds on this earth. Despair and imminent doom are in her face, the firmly holds the dagger (yes, and this time the deadly iron looks menacing and real).

The whole painting has that timeless feeling: it’s setting isn’t tied to any period, since it’s minimalist and her ripped dress could be almost from any period.

Part of the Art Motive Series: "The Story of Lucretia"