Belisarius begging for alms

Though innocent, Belisarius the great Roman general was caught up in a plot against the emperor Justinian and consequently disgraced, before finally managing to return to favour thus avoiding execution. This theme was very much in vogue at the end of the 18th century as a result of the publication of the novel by Marmontel in 1767 and it was most notably illustrated by David in 1781. The general is shown as a blind old beggar accompanied by his young guide. This terracotta group was presented to the Salon of 1791.