The inscription means: 'I am Tanaquil. In my prescience I created two kings, first my husband, then my slave'.
Tanaquil persuaded her husband Lucumo to emigrate from Tarquinii to Rome, where he was elected king with the title Tarquinius Priscus. After his assassination she secured the succession for Servius Tullius.
This painting and 'Marcia' are part of a series representing famous women of antiquity.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1484 - 1551
Full title
Tanaquil
Date made
about 1519
Medium and support
Oil on wood
Dimensions
92.1 x 53.3 cm
Inscription summary
Inscribed
Acquisition credit
Acquired by application of the 1956 Finance Act, 1965
Inventory number
NG6368
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: Classical Heroines from a Sienese Bedchamber
