Gravelot's design is preparatory for an illustration to Charles Rollin's "The ancient history of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians, and Grecians" (first published in London: Knapton, 1738-1740).The wounded Epaminondas is shown seated at right, supported by a grieving soldier, at left a man carries a shield and a sword. A group of soldiers anxiously observe the scene.