De zonen van Lara stormen op de dorpeling af als zij bloed op het gezicht van hun broeder zien 1612

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "The sons of Lara storming towards the villager when they see blood on their brother's face," sometime between 1572 and 1630. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. This image depicts a raw and vengeful moment, diving into themes of honor, masculinity, and social status of the early modern period. Tempesta visualizes a world where male identity is intertwined with reputation and revenge, in which violence is perceived as a legitimate response to offenses against family honor. What does honor mean when it is upheld through violence? The print reveals the societal structures that legitimized such acts, reflecting a time when aristocratic families operated within their own codes of conduct and justice. This violent narrative, fueled by honor and revenge, leads us to consider the cultural norms that shaped the identities and actions of individuals within this historical context.