Mucius Scaevola Before Porsena, 1740s, Gaspare Diziani, Italian, 1689-1767, 10 1/2 x 16 7/16 in. (26.67 x 41.75 cm) (sheet), Pen and brown ink, black and red chalk, Italy, 18th century, The ancient story of Mucius Scaevola was a popular subject in 17th and 18th-century Italian art. When the ancient city of Rome was under attack by Etruscan troops, a young Roman nobleman Mucius snuck into the enemy camp to kill the invading army's king, Porsena. Mucius, however, was seized after killing the king's secretary by mistake. Indifferent to his seemingly sealed fate, Mucius sacrificed his right hand in front of Porsena and his men, shoving it into a fire. The king was so impressed by his bravery, he set him free, and the young hero was henceforce called 'Scaevola' or left-handed.