Joseph Goupy was an artist of French origin who executed theatrical scene paintings and works on paper (pastels, watercolours and etchings). He was closely associated with Frederick, Prince of Wales, from 1735 to 1751, as an agent acquiring works, a curator of the collection, as a pastellist and even a drawing master. This is the only surviving one of nineteen copies by Goupy after famous Old Master paintings, which are listed in Princess Augusta's Dressing Room at Leicester House in September 1749. This is a copy of a painting then attributed to Van Dyck in Lord Burlington's collection at Chiswick (now at Chatsworth and no longer attributed to Van Dyck). A print probably made after this pastel or another drawing by Goupy is in the British Museum. The frame maker, Paul Petit, presented a bill in 1747 for creating a slip for this drawing and other protective measure; it is probable that he made the magnificent frame at the same time. Belisarius was a Roman general fallen on hard times who is recognised while begging by a former comrade in arms. Here we see the seated and blind Belisarius using his helmet as a begging bowl, receiving money from a woman. The soldier to the left contemplates the scene and meditates upon the ingratitude of the state towards its gallant defenders.