An illustration from Chapter 34 of Pliny's Tales, concerning an incident involving the tyrant Phalaride and a bull. The title roughly translates as "Distinguished inventor ordered by Phalaride is first put to the test."
The original passage from Pliny, in Latin, reads as follows: "Perillum nemo laudet saeviorem Phalaride tyranno, cui taurum fecit mugitus inclusi hominis pollicitus igni subdito et primus expertus cruciatum eum iustiore saevitia. huc a simulacris deorum hominumque devocaverat humanissimam artem. ideo tot conditores eius laboraverant, ut ex ea tormenta fierent!"
Inscription indicates it was engraved after a painting by the Italian artist Polidoro de Caravaggio, by Marco Paluzzi, printer, in the Piazza Navona.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, wear, soiling, soft creases. Few short marginal tears, professionally restored. Margins trimmed, fairly close but ample. Edges a bit worn.