to obtain accurate details of how the executions took place, they generally consisted of cuts to the arms, legs, and chest, leading to amputation of limbs, followed by decapitation or a stab to the heart. If the crime was less serious or the executioner merciful, the first cut would be to the throat causing death; subsequent cuts served solely to dismember the corpse. The family of the condemned could sometimes offer--were they able to afford it--a bribe in order to have a stab to the heart inflicted first.

Art historian James Elkins