The Painting above illustrates the scene when Othello stood forth in front of the assembled senate, accused by Brabanzio that he had stolen his own daughter from him by the use of witchcraft. However this accusation does not stand long; Othello fully backs himself up to the senate by explaining that he had won over Desdemona through the tales of his adventures in times of war and travel. Othello’s argument is sufficient enough for the Duke and the senate to find it reasonable and truthful. To back this up even further, Desdemona enters the room as well to defend her own reasoning in marrying Othello. After hearing all of this, the Duke wastes no time in telling Othello that he is needed in Cyprus in order to provide aid in the fight against the advancing Turks. Desdemona is found kneeing in this painting because she begs the Duke to allow herself to join along-side her own husband, Othello, on his trip to war. She does not want to be left behind and miss the action, this could be her one and only opportunity to experience something like this.