Beatrice Cenci Tragic Beauty of Medieval Rome

Beatrice Cenci is a tragic figure from late 16th century Rome. Along with her brother, Giacomo, and her stepmother, Lucrezia, she plotted the death of her evil father, Francesco Cenci. Following the parricide the three culprits were sentenced to death by Pope Clement VIII, The verdicts occurred following long deliberation by the papacy. Francesco Cenci was a nobleman, albeit a cruel and despotic man. At least one historian believes the Francesco attempted to rape his daughter. It is extremely likely that the Cenci youths were also beaten with a type of flagellant whip. This instrument of punishment was found in the aftermath of Francesco Cenci's murder. Perhaps the Pope was too rigid in his punishment of the Cenci children and their stepmother. Clement VIII certainly followed the letter of the Roman law of the time very stringently.