28. Beatrice Cenci -A Symbol of Resistance
Despite being the daughter of a Roman nobleman, Beatrice’s life was anything but noble. Her mother died by the time she was seven, and her father was a violent man who treated his children horribly. After suffering physical and sexual abuse, Beatrice tried to report her father for his crimes, but due to his status, he got off with less punishment. Beatrice and her family saw no other option but to kill her father. Four family members plotted to kill him, but their attempt ultimately failed. They caught all of the participants and they were tried, convicted, then executed as punishment. Since her death, Beatrice has become a symbol of revolt against the aristocracy and her likeness has influenced art for centuries. They say that on the anniversary of her death, her spirit returns to the site where she died 400 years ago, holding her severed head.