“Tarquin and Lucretia,” a painting by Tintoretto, is a significant work within the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This mythological painting also falls under the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork depicts a dramatic and intense moment between Tarquin and Lucretia. Tarquin, a muscular male figure, is positioned dominantly over Lucretia, who is rendered with delicate and expressive detail. Lucretia’s pallor and contorted posture, along with her partially disrobed state, evoke a powerful sense of vulnerability and distress. The contrasting use of light and dark, along with the rich, sumptuous fabrics and intricate background, enhance the dramatic effect, characteristic of the Mannerism style. The scene is rife with tension and emotion, encapsulating the mythological tale with both pathos and a vivid portrayal of human anatomy.