Painted with Gaius Mucius Scaevola thrusting his hand into the fire in defiance

10³⁄₄ in. (27.2 cm.) diameter

This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Livy recounts an heroic episode that took place during the siege of Rome by Lars Porsena, King of Clusium. A Roman nobleman, Gaius Mucius Scaevola, disguised himself in order to get behind the Etruscan lines in an attempt to kill Lars Porsena. Unfortunately, by mistake he killed Porsena's richly dressed secretary instead. Mucius held his right hand in the fire in order to demonstrate his resolve and contempt for the torture which he thought would inevitably follow. Porsena, impressed by his endurance, released him and he was allowed to return to Rome, where he became known as Scaevola (left-handed).