Attributed to Jean de Court (Fl. 1550–1583), Mucius Scaevola before Lars Porsenna, c. 1580, Limoges enamel tazza, copper, enamel, gold; 19 cm wide, 6.5 cm high, 19 cm deep. The British Museum, London, The Waddesdon (Rothschild) Bequest, Room 3
The narrative portrayed on the tazza recounts the heroic act of Mucius Scaevola, a young Roman who infiltrated the camp of the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna during Rome’s early struggle for survival. When captured, Mucius demonstrated his unwavering courage and loyalty to Rome by placing his hand into the flames, showing no sign of pain or fear to prove his dedication to Rome and intimidate the king. This act of self-sacrifice not only spared his life but also convinced Porsenna to end his siege of the city. The legendary story of Mucius Scaevola and Lars Porsenna, derived from Livy’s ‘History of Rome’ (59 BCE–17 CE) and was celebrated throughout the Renaissance as an emblem of civic virtue, illustrating the triumph of personal honour, courage, and republican ideals over tyranny.
In this work, Jean de Court, known as Master IC, employs the painted enamel techniques for which Limoges was famous. Vibrant enamel colours, detailed gilding, and a polished copper surface create a luminous effect, enhancing the scene’s dramatic tension. This technical mastery reflects the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity and its ideals and the desire to translate complex narratives into intellectually engaging artworks