Spurius Cassius kastes ud fra en klippe 1574

Tobias Stimmer’s woodcut depicts the execution of Spurius Cassius, who, according to Roman historian Livy, was killed for treason in 486 BC. Made in the late 16th century, the print reflects the Protestant Reformation’s interest in themes of justice, governance, and civic duty. The image unfolds across two distinct spaces. On the left, we witness Spurius Cassius being thrown from a rock, a brutal act of state-sanctioned violence. To the right, a group of men in classical garb debate, seemingly oblivious to the execution. Their detachment raises uncomfortable questions about complicity and the nature of power. Prints like these were part of a visual culture used to shape public opinion and moralize political narratives. How do we reconcile the apparent need for such violence with the ideals of justice and fairness these men discuss? Stimmer’s print challenges us to reflect on the complex relationship between power, justice, and the individual.