Gravelot's design is preparatory for an illustration probably intended for 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 scene depicts the mother of the defeated Darius kneeling at the feet of Hephaestion and Alexander, with the rest of Darius' family grouped behind her.