Mucius Scævola before Porsenna 

This wood engraving, "Mucius Scævola before Porsenna," depicts a scene from Roman history. It is the work of John Leech, a renowned English caricaturist and illustrator known for his work in Punch magazine. Though the exact date of creation is unknown, Leech's distinct style, with its intricate details and use of hatching, is evident in the image. The scene captures the moment when the Roman hero, Mucius Scævola, plunges his hand into a burning brazier, defying the Etruscan King Porsenna, who demanded the surrender of Rome. The engraving's dramatic composition, with its contrasting figures and the central image of the fire, emphasizes the courage and sacrifice of Scævola.