These days, the death penalty is still a highly debated topic around the world. However, back in the day, it was an exceptionally common practice. Executions were a public affair, bringing together a town’s people to observe and partake in the spectacle. And without a doubt, one of the most popular methods of execution was the guillotine.

A guillotine consists of a tall, upright frame with a weighted, angled blade suspended from the top. They’re used for beheading, with the person attached to the stocks at the bottom and their neck angled below the blade. When the blade is released, it comes down and decapitates the person in one clean pass. Guillotines are most often associated with France, particularly during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. In 1981, France abolished the use of capital punishment, with the last person to be executed by guillotine dying in 1977.

Take a peek at 60 of the most impressive guillotine tattoos from talented tattoo artists around the world in the gallery below. These tattoos range from stunning black-and-grey to bold traditional to delicate fine line. Then let us know your favorite tattoos from this list in the comments section on social media.