Cloelia Crossing the Tiber on Horseback, c. 1545, Giulio Bonasone; Artist: Probably after Polidoro da Caravaggio, Italian, (Bologna), c. 1510¡Vafter 1576, 11 5/8 ¡Ñ 16 15/16 in. (29.53 ¡Ñ 43.02 cm) (image)11 7/8 ¡Ñ 17 1/4 in. (30.16 ¡Ñ 43.82 cm) (sheet), Engraving, Italy, 16th century, Cloelia¡¦s adventure thrilled readers in antiquity and again in the Renaissance. She was among a group of youths taken hostage by the Etruscan king Lars Porsena in exchange for lifting a siege on the city of Rome. In the story she mounts a horse to lead several girls in a dangerous escape from their Etruscan jailors. They crossed the Tiber River amid a hail of spears. The escape proved disturbing for both sides: the Romans were concerned for their honor; the Etruscans were enraged. To settle the matter, Cloelia was returned to the enemy. When his anger subsided, Porsena came to extol Cloelia¡¦s bravery and the rectitude of the Romans for having returned her. He ordered her release and let her choose some hostages to take home.