Mutius Scaevola 1537

Monogrammist FG made this engraving of Mutius Scaevola sometime in the late 16th century. The story illustrated here has its roots in Livy’s history of Rome, but what meaning could it hold for a contemporary audience? Well, in this print, a would-be assassin, captured after failing to kill the king, demonstrates his courage by thrusting his hand into a brazier. We can only imagine the pain, but the composition centers on his resolute gaze as he stares down the king. The story exemplifies Roman courage, but its revival in the 16th century spoke to a society struggling with violence and religious conflict. Who might be a Mutius Scaevola in their own time? The image asks us to consider what it means to be brave in the face of power. To understand this, one can research the visual culture of 16th-century Europe, exploring books, prints, and other media to understand the values and beliefs of the time. These sources help us understand the artwork's historical context and its potential impact on its original audience.