Mucius Scaevola voor Porsenna 1550 - 1598

Benedetto Caliari created this drawing, Mucius Scaevola voor Porsenna, using pen and wash, sometime in the late 16th century. Caliari was part of a family of artists, known primarily for their contributions to Venetian painting during the Renaissance. This drawing depicts a scene from Roman history, where Mucius Scaevola demonstrates his courage to King Porsenna by thrusting his right hand into a fire. It’s an embodiment of Roman virtue, yet also serves as a potent narrative about power, resilience, and defiance against tyranny. In the context of the 16th century, these classical themes were often used to convey messages about contemporary political issues. Caliari, by choosing this subject, engages with ideas about moral strength and the cost of freedom. What does it mean to sacrifice a part of yourself, to prove your dedication to a cause or nation? Caliari prompts us to consider the relationships between personal suffering and political resistance.