The Dismissal of the Lictors 

"The Dismissal of the Lictors" is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicting the Roman general, Cornelius Scipio Africanus, refusing to accept a triumphal procession from the Roman Senate after his victory in the Second Punic War. The scene depicts the emotional weight of the moment, as Scipio's decision reflects his modesty and selflessness. Rubens's masterful use of light and shadow, along with the dynamic poses of the figures, creates a sense of drama and tension, highlighting the complexity of the historical event.