Carthaginian Soldiers Preparing the Martyrdom of Attilius Re 

"Carthaginian Soldiers Preparing the Martyrdom of Attilius Regulus" was etched by Salvator Rosa in the 17th century. Rosa was an Italian Baroque painter, known for his unconventional style, and his life was punctuated by rebellion against artistic norms. This print depicts a Roman general being brutally martyred. It is a scene of intense cruelty: look at how the Carthaginian soldiers are hammering nails into a barrel, ready to seal Attilius inside. Rosa’s choice of this grim subject matter reflects the Baroque era’s fascination with dramatic and often violent narratives. It is impossible to ignore the emotional intensity, the figures contorted in agony or cruel focus. Rosa’s print, though historical, speaks to the timeless human capacity for brutality. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable aspects of history. It prompts us to reflect on how societies treat those they deem enemies.