'The Sacrifice' or 'Mucius Scaevola', after Parmigianino 1500 - 1600

"The Sacrifice" or "Mucius Scaevola" is a 16th-century etching by the Italian Mannerist artist Parmigianino. The etching, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts the Roman hero Mucius Scaevola, who famously thrust his hand into a fire to demonstrate his bravery to King Porsenna of Etruria. The dramatic composition and detailed line work characteristic of Parmigianino's style are evident in the intricate figures and the depiction of the flames. This etching exemplifies the artist's mastery of drawing and his ability to capture both the physical and emotional aspects of a historical moment.