Beatrice Cenci by Paul Delaroche #history #art #painting

[HistorybyMae]

According to legend, Francesco Cenci abused his first wife Ersilia Santa Croce and his sons and repeatedly r_ped Beatrice. He was jailed for other crimes, but was freed early because of his noble status. Beatrice tried to inform the authorities about his abusive behaviour, but no effective action was taken.

The four Cencis decided they had no alternative but to try to get rid of Count Francesco, and together organized a plot. In 1598, during one of Francesco's stays at the castle, two vassals (one of whom had become Beatrice's secret lover) helped them to drug him. Beatrice, her siblings, and their stepmother then bludgeoned Francesco to death with a hammer and threw the body off a balcony to make it look like an accident.

Eventually, his absence was noticed, and the papal police investigated. Beatrice's lover was tortured and died without revealing the truth. Meanwhile, a family friend who was aware of the murder ordered the killing of the second vassal to avoid any risk. Nonetheless, the plot was discovered, and the four members of the Cenci family were arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to death.

Despite public sympathy and calls for clemency, Pope Clement VIII refused to pardon her, fearing that it would set a precedent for patricide. This resulted in Beatrice's execution by beheading on September 11, 1599. Her tragic story has since become legendary, inspiring art, literature, and discussions on justice, abuse, and revenge.

[Mekolahamlaoui]

Nobody is giving a damn unless it touches their so-called principles. I am amazed at the hypocrisy of people. Poor Beatrice did not die or rest. There are many girls like her who face a fate and severe torment without anyone saying a word.

[candicechan]

It makes you think, doesn't it? How some people get punished simply because they're doing what is right. What a world we live in.

[KathySemrau]

Look at the Rape Trial of that woman in France, whose husband filmed his wife while 17 or more men raped her. Her husband only got twenty years for letting his wife and daughter get raped. Then the husband had outside activities raping other women and again filming them. I don't know how she lived through it, and how she kept her composure in court. This woman is a saint. She had the strength of a thousand women. I am sorry it still happens today and women are not respected for their ordeals.❤❤❤

[MGMG-lcfe]

Betrayed by the earthly father entrusted with her care, she sought the willing aid of witnesses, and other victims to inflict punishment. Many feeling her actions were justified, as authorities refused to act responsively due simply to his earthly status. Seeking out the pardon of the chuch, where she likely believed God resided, she was betrayed again. Let us hope she kept her faith through the church's betrayal. The same church teaches that any who would drive another away from faith is better drown or hung by the neck? Justice and judgement are His, and my heart tells me that she has found her deserved peace. Her blouse staring blazing white, while everything else exists in a murky tinge seems a fitting commentary in this instance. For your recognition of heartfelt heros in history thank you Ms. Mae ✨

[Ok-sqsc]

People still treat mothers and daughters like this

[merhona]

Abuser so bad, even her step mother helped her to kill him. Yet the nobles could not have people killing sadistic and corrupt abusers incase the weak started coming for all of them. Yet they would also not help victims of SA and abuse. So not too dissimilar to now.

[LuvMeeka]

Omg the soundtrack of Rhaenyra, so powerful and angelic

[MTRG]

Yet another example of people preferring to revere dead martyrs instead of helping the living ones

[SOPH_THEMONSTAFARTSMELLA]

This is so sickeningly sad and yet a very real scenario, I don’t wish this upon my worst enemy

[dovelynrae]

Sometimes we must remember how grateful we should be.

[magnolia.]

Also, here in Rome, there’s this legend about Beatrice’s ghost: she appears every year the night between the 10th and 11th September, crossing the bridge to Castel Sant’Angelo with her head in her hands.

[susushisushi]

yessss i love the music choice for fighting women

[keanancupido]

Playing Rhaenyra's theme song is so fitting for this 😭❤

[illbeback]

Hundreds of years later I'm on her side! Abuse has never been acceptable! The Catholic church has a lot to answer for across the centuries. So many women suffer so much sexual violence to this day.

[CherylGarry]

Men with that kind of power have no mercy.

[Lelele]

She looks so at peace. It's finally over for her. Yet history repeats. Whether famous Cases like the Mendez Brothers or unknown victims all over the world. People they should trust becoming the monsters that they need protection from.

[DaFaeZari]

Huge respect to the whole family and those people for doing what was right and knowing it

[LovedLamb]

So glad I'm orthodox, the Papacy seemed to have historically just done unchristian things. Like shouldnt execution been illegal considering its unbiblical since a sinner can't judge anothet sinner.

[mediocrechad]

I learn something from All of your content. This story was very painful to read about. Why am I still always stunned. I've been a lurker for quite some time and really appreciate your efforts!