Murderer
The Resume
(February 6, 1577-September 11, 1599)
Born in Rome, Italy
Daughter of an Italian nobleman, Francesco Cenci
With other family members, killed Francesco, reportedly to prevent his incestuous advances
Executed by beheading at the Sant'Angelo Bridge
Inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley to write the verse drama 'The Cenci: A Tragedy in Five Acts' (1819)
Why she might be annoying
Her family had two servants (one of whom was secretly Beatrice's lover) drug Francesco.
When this failed to kill him, the family bludgeoned him to death with a hammer, then threw the body off a balcony in a very unsuccessful attempt to make it look like an accident.
The incest allegations were not raised until just before the execution, when the family was getting desperate to find grounds for clemency.
According to legend, every year she comes back to the bridge on the night before her execution, carrying her severed head.
Most modern art historians believe that the painting that inspired Shelley does not actually depict Beatrice.
Why she might not be annoying
By most accounts, Francesco was a violent and abusive husband and parent.
Public sympathy for the family ran high, so the chances for clemency seemed good.
However, the Countess of Santa Croce had recently been killed by her son, prompting Pope Clement VIII to insist on going forward with the executions to prevent a spate of family murders.
After the executions, the Cenci family properties were confiscated by the Papacy, which may have played a role in Clement's decision.
To the people of Rome, she became a symbol of resistance to the aristocracy.
Credit: C. Fishel
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Year In Review:
For 2021, as of last week, Out of 111 Votes: 0.90% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 110 Votes: 51.82% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 32 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 30 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 26 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 22 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 38.46% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 65 Votes: 72.31% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 138 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
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