Albrecht Dürer’s artwork titled “Lucrece” created in 1508, belongs to the Northern Renaissance period and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu). The piece is currently held in a private collection. The engraving demonstrates Dürer’s remarkable skill in portraying the human form, with a detailed and delicate representation of textures, form, and light.
The artwork depicts a female figure standing almost in profile, with her body slightly turned towards the viewer, allowing the detailing of her form to be visible. There’s a strong play of light and shadow across her body, highlighting her anatomical features and muscle definition. Her facial expression appears contemplative or resigned, possibly reflecting the narrative of Lucrece, who is a historical figure from Roman lore known for her virtue and tragic fate. The subject is draped with a sheer piece of fabric partially covering her lower body and has loose hair that adds to the vulnerability of her pose. The print is highly detailed, showcasing Dürer’s expertise with the medium and his capacity to imbue his subjects with emotion and narrative depth. The date, “1508”, is inscribed along with Dürer’s monogram on the stone upon which Lucrece is standing, marking the creation of this particular work.
