The painting illustrates the procession celebrating the victory of the Roman general Aemilius Paulus over King Perseus of Macedonia in 168 B.C. Aemilius is shown on the gold chariot on the right followed by prisoners, among whom is Perseus with his family. The temple of Jupiter Capitolinus with its hundred steps dominates the background. The picture, begun in 1787, was presented as Vernet's reception piece to the French Royal Academy in 1789. It was exhibited in the Salon in 1789 and 1791. A Funeral of Patrocles was planned as a pendant but never finished.

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