Pericles pleading for Aspasia (litho)

Pericles pleading for Aspasia. Pericles' political enemies, not daring to impeach the great man himself, began by venting their spite against his friends and favourites. They accused Aspasia, with whom he had contracted a union after separating from his first wife, of impiety and gross immorality. Pericles personally conducted her defence, and, after pleading so earnestly that he was moved to tears, secured her acquittal. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.