Art Funded by you

Relief of Mucius Scaevola

Giovanni Maria Mosca, 1520–1527

© National Galleries of Scotland

The relief is thought to be part of a group of tablets which represent human virtues. The subject is taken from Livy 2: 12-13. Caius Mucius, a young Roman noble, penetrated the Etruscan camp in 507BC but instead of assassinating the King of the Etruscans, he killed the King's aide by mistake. To show the guards how cheaply he valued his life he thrust his right hand into the flames. The King was impressed and let him go. Scaevola means left-handed.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Relief of Mucius Scaevola, 1520–1527

Date supported

1989

Medium and material

Marble

Dimensions

34 x 21 cm

Grant

40000

Total cost

160000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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