Der Selbstmord der Lucretia

This second treatment of the Lucretia suicide theme held at the Kunsthaus Zürich — alongside Van Cleve's 1519 version — shows the artist returning to a subject that evidently resonated with his clientele. Where the later version stresses introspection, this 1516 work appears to explore a slightly more theatrically charged moment in the narrative. The doubling of the subject in Van Cleve's output is consistent with Antwerp workshop practice, where successful compositions were revisited for different patrons, each version retaining enough individuality to justify a fresh commission from an engaged buyer.

Close comparison with the 1519 Lucretia reveals subtle shifts in the figure's pose and lighting angle, suggesting a new study rather than simple replication. The skin modelling relies on Van Cleve's typical warm-cool layering, with the dagger and its reflective blade handled with meticulous attention to highlight placement and metallic surface description.