Halshugningen af Brutus' søn 1574

Tobias Stimmer created this small woodcut print of 'The Beheading of Brutus' Son' during the latter half of the 16th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. Here, Stimmer illustrates a classical story, the execution of the son of Brutus. But in his telling, we see the artist's own time reflected back at us. Executions were public spectacles and political tools, underscoring the power of those in charge. The emotions in the scene run the gamut from grief to stoicism. A crowd looks on, embodying a range of reactions to the brutal act. The men in the foreground are muscular, heroic; in contrast, the soon-to-be beheaded son is blindfolded and helpless, his execution a stark display of power and submission. This small print, therefore, encourages us to consider how displays of justice and power are always intertwined, both in the past and in the present.