History paintings

Mucius Scaevola as a steadfast hero

The Roman, Gaius Mucius was sent to kill the Etruscan king, Porsenna. His attack failed and he was arrested. Fearless in the face of the threat of death, he put his right hand into a sacrificial flame and allowed it to burn. Impressed by Mucius’s bravery, the king allowed him to go free, and made peace with the Romans. Mucius was given the honorary name of “Scaevola”, meaning left-handed.

Marcus Curtius sacrificing himself for the good of the state

A poisonous vapour, which was rising from a crevice that had opened up in the ground in the Roman Forum, was spreading plague throughout the city. In order to bring a halt to the dying, so said the oracle, Rome would have to sacrifice its greatest treasure. Marcus Curtius interpreted this as its brave youth, the future of the city state. Thereupon he sacrificed his own life, throwing himself into the abyss. This caused the crevice to close up again, and Rome was freed from the plague.

Timoclea of Thebes

The young Theban woman, Timoclea became known for her virtuous courage and intrepidity in dealing with one of Alexander the Great’s soldiers. When he asked Timoclea about hidden treasure, she quick-wittedly led him to a well and threw him into its depths. Alexander allowed her to go free as a token of his esteem for her bravery.

Jael slaying an enemy of her people

The Israelites were being besieged by hostile Canaanites. The prophetess, Deborah called upon the people to resist the oppressors and pronounced that the fame of victory would fall to a woman. In the course of battle, a storm came to the aid of the Israelites and they were able to vanquish their enemies. The Canaanite commander, Sisera had to flee and was offered refuge in Jael’s camp. When he fell asleep exhausted, she stabbed him through the temple with a tent peg. She offered up the dead enemy and was feted as a heroine of Israel.

Cambyses punishing a corrupt judge

The Persian tyrant, Cambyses is said to have ordered the flaying of a corrupt judge and for his skin to be stretched over the judge’s seat. In addition, the son of the dead man was obliged to pronounce judgement as his father’s heir, in order never to forget his guilt.