The Dismissal of the Lictors 

Peter Paul Rubens painted “The Dismissal of the Lictors” with oil on canvas, capturing a powerful scene of authority and mercy. The central figure, likely a Roman emperor or general, is adorned in armor and a cape, dismissing his lictors, the bodyguards carrying fasces. The fasces, bundles of rods and an axe, symbolize power and jurisdiction in Roman society. Rubens masterfully uses this symbol to explore themes of clemency and restraint. The gesture of dismissal contrasts sharply with the fasces' inherent meaning. This motif of renouncing power echoes in various historical and artistic contexts, from rulers laying down their crowns to figures of authority showing compassion. This raises a psychoanalytic question: does this act fulfill a deep-seated human desire to temper power with mercy? The act of dismissal resonates with a collective memory of leaders who chose compassion over dominance. Ultimately, the painting reflects the cyclical nature of power and the enduring human aspiration for a just and merciful governance.