Gaius Mucius Scaevola before Porsenna, signed lower right: Do ffranck in, oil on copper, 63.5 x 87 cm, framed

Certificate:
Dr Ursula Härting, Hamm (as an extraordinary and beautiful work by Frans Francken II).

This painting with its many figures is one of new discoveries of recent years in Francken’s oeuvre. Dr Härting, who was unaware of any version of the painting, examined it in the original; she ranks it amongst the most beautiful works by the Antwerp master. It illustrates the technical perfection of his execution and the elegance of his compositions. Alongside the technically demanding use of colour laid down in fine glazes, he never loses the spontaneity of his style, which turns the facial features of the protagonists into impressive character studies. The artistic quality of the picture is also evident in the merging of differing stylistic influences. Whereas the background fully follows the tradition of Flemish landscape painting from the late 16th century, the exotic garments worn by Porsenna betray the preoccupations of the emerging Baroque style. Other details point to the early Roman Baroque period. The story here is that of the young Roman, Gaius Mucius Scaevola, who succeeded, at the time of the siege of Rome by the Etruscans, to penetrate into the enemy camp. Instead of the king, Porsenna mistakenly killed his secretary. Led before the king, he revealed his identity as a Roman citizen. As evidence of his lack of fear, he held his right hand in the fire and allowed it to burn. The king, who was impressed by this act of heroism, released him and made peace with the Romans.