Zénothémis (Baculard d'Arnaud, The Trials of Emotion vol3) - De Launay after Eisen

The elderly senator Menecrates has failed in his duties as a judge by exonerating a criminal whose parents have emotionally defended his cause. Arrested and repeatedly accused of corruption, Menecrates sees his long career tarnished. His son-in-law Zénothémis takes up his defense before the assembled magistrates: he succeeds not only in demonstrating Menecrates' innocence, but also in highlighting his humanity, which he opposes to the accusation of lawlessness. To conclude his plea, he brings Menecrates, his wife Cydipus and their young son before the judges, whom he presents as a final appeal for his forefather's rehabilitation.

The engraving illustrates this moment: the magistrates face Zenothemis, who presents them with his son, followed by the elderly Menecrates and the veiled Cydipus. Above the scene, a sword of Damocles hangs, reminding all the accused that their fate hangs by a thread.