[1] It was one of a number of classical scenes painted by West alongside his better-known depictions of more recent history.

The scene depicts the departure from Rome of Regulus a consul and general of the Roman Republic.

Realising that Rome intended to violate the peace terms, he chose as a matter of honour to return to Carthage to face a certain, violent death.

[2] Regulus and his stoic acceptance of his fate was a popular theme in eighteenth century Britain.

Another work commissioned by the King at the same time The Oath of Hannibal shares a similar theme of the Carthaginian Wars.