Beheading scene within an oval; fragment of another scene in an oval 1592 - 1668

Giulio Benso made this pen and brown ink drawing, "Beheading scene within an oval; fragment of another scene in an oval," sometime between 1592 and 1668. Benso lived during a time of stark social hierarchies, where power and violence were often visually displayed to maintain order. The sketch plunges us into a world of brutality, depicting a beheading with a detached, almost clinical quality. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between violence, justice, and power. Executions were public spectacles, serving as potent reminders of the state's authority. The oval framing adds a layer of theatricality. It encourages us to consider the performative aspects of justice and how such scenes were constructed to instill fear and obedience. Consider how this sketch, though not a finished work, captures the emotional complexities inherent in such a scene. It serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity for cruelty.