Painting by Anton Hoffman depicting Mucius Scaevola "the left-handed", [s.d.]

Photograph of a painting by Anton Hoffman depicting Mucius Scaevola "the left-handed", [s.d.]. Mucius is pictured in profile at center, placing his right hand into the Etruscan Porsinna's pot of hot coals. Porsinna, in armor, hovers above his chair, amazed and impressed. Two guards with spears stand behind Mucius. Porsinna's advisors stand around him. Picture file card reads: "Print from back side".; Scaevola is a legendary hero from Rome's earliest history. The story contends that when the Etruscans invaded Rome, Mucius invaded their camp and failed in his attempt to capture their leader, Porsinna. When brought before Pursinna, Mucius thrust his right hand into a flame and let it burn without showing any sign of pain, from then on known as Scaevola ("the left-handed"). Pursinna was so impressed with the feat that he released Mucius.