Mucius Scaevola

Bernardo Castello

1601

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Baroque Allegory

About this work

This drawing shows a group of people in an outdoor setting with a tent in the background. One man stands out in the center, holding a burning hand while others react around him. Some people are playing instruments, and a table with food sits nearby, while a dog lies on the ground nearby. The man’s burning hand is a key detail—it’s a famous story about bravery. The artist used ink and wash to create shading and texture, giving it a sketchy, detailed look. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines.