We’re going to be starting off with The Rape of Lucrece. I’m not too familiar with this work, but apparently Lucrece is raped, and subsequently kills herself. This is Rembrandt’s interpretation of her suicide.
Her eyes were the first thing I noticed. You can see every ounce of misery she’s been holding inside of her — her eyes are puffy, swollen, and teary. Her entire face seems tense and heavy; all of her emotions and troubles seem to be visible. The fact that this rape caused her to commit suicide makes this painting all the more tragic. She still, however, seems to have a true innocence about her. Her features somehow seem delicate and young. The background is black behind her, which gives this painting an incredibly dark, foreboding feeling. It almost looks like she’s already in hell.
