It is now assumed that the original picture was destroyed by a fire in the Royal Alcázar of Madrid in 1735 and this painting is a studio copy dating to 1626-1628.[2][3] The subject matter of the painting is drawn from Livy 2:12 and Plutarch (Publicola, 17, 1) and in particular their account of Mucius Scaevola's bravery before Lars Porsenna after the former's failed attempt to assassinate the latter.Rubens seems to have followed Plutarc's treatment of the story h in particular, because it is this author who implies that Scaevola left his sword in the body of his victim.[4] These show that Rubens produced the overall composition, with van Dyck adding details and other elements and finishing the painting.The drawings now in the British Museum shows two men holding their nose at the smell of burning flesh, whereas van Dyck only included one, immediately behind Scaevola himself.