Mucius Scaevola

Hendrik Goltzius

1586

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory heracles

About this work

This engraving shows a man holding his right hand over flames. The flames rise calmly, not frantic. The man’s left hand grips a sword. Mucius Scaevola was an ancient Roman who proved his bravery by burning his hand. Goltzius made this image by carving lines into metal, then inking it. The lines look sharp and precise. Look up Goltzius, Hendrick to see more of his work.