According to legend as documented by Livy in his History of Rome, she was acclaimed as a highly virtuous woman by her husband Collatinus.

She was raped by the Roman nobleman Sextus Tarquinius, a relative of her husband, who threatened her with murder and the public humiliation of her corpse if she resisted.

Given the risk of defamation she gave in to his sexual demands, but afterwards reported the attack to her husband and father before taking her own life.

[3] The painting shows Lucretia in three-quarter view seated alone in a darkened room on a bed, with her eyes cast upwards and a distressed expression.

[5] A few years later, strips of canvas which had been added in the late 18th century to all sides of the painting were removed in an attempt to restore it to its original condition.

[4] Tassi promised marriage following the rape, which would have spared Artemisia the shame of being considered "impure" according to contemporary standards.

Metal rings were placed around her fingers and tightened while she spoke, causing agonizing pain and potentially jeopardizing her blossoming painting career.

[6] Tassi, on the other hand, was not required to undergo a similar experience and while ultimately convicted and banished, the sentence was not enforced.