Mucius Scaevola before Lars Porsenna
Anthony van Dyck (possibly), after Rubens, 1626–28
This painting from the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, possibly by Anthony van Dyck, shows Gaius Mucius Scaevola before the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna. Caught trying to kill the king, Mucius thrust his right hand into the fire to show that Romans did not fear pain. Porsenna was so impressed that he set him free and made peace with Rome. The painting is in the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
