Art Institute of Chicago

Ornamental Design for Knife Handle

Theodor de Bry

Date

c. 1588

Medium

Engraving in black on ivory laid paper

Culture

Flanders

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

These elegant knife handles (2014.1123 and 2014.1125) are a paired set printed from the same plate. Perhaps supplying front and back decorations for the same handle, both images include a nude female figure. The piece on the right depicts the ancient Roman figure of Lucretia, who was said to have committed suicide after being raped because she could not bear the dishonor brought on her family. Here she uses a blade to pierce her breast.

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