Mutius Scaevola placing his hand in the flames (left half of a composition, the right half of which shows a woman extending her right arm towards an altar) 1535 - 1545

This engraving by Andrea Schiavone, made around the mid-16th century, captures a moment of stark intensity. The composition is dominated by the figure of Mutius Scaevola, rendered in dynamic lines, as he plunges his hand into a flame. The flames themselves are depicted with swirling lines creating an almost palpable sense of heat and movement. Schiavone's use of line is particularly striking. Notice how the density and direction of the lines not only define form but also convey texture and emotion. The tension between the solid form of Mutius and the chaotic energy of the fire creates a powerful visual contrast. This use of contrasting line work destabilizes the conventional understanding of the heroic body. Rather than presenting an idealized figure, Schiavone uses the formal elements to convey the psychological intensity of the moment. The emphasis on line, therefore, functions as a means to explore themes of courage, sacrifice, and the volatile nature of human emotion.