Count Francesco Arese, among the first admirers of Hayez and commissioner of Carmagnola, was deeply involved in the revolution of 1821, and was arrested the following year and then sentenced to death in 1823. After being graced in '25 the Count returned to Milan, where he asked Hayez to make this painting that portrays him during his imprisonment, following to his precise instructions. The result was this singular historical portrait, one of the most significant of Hayez's ability to be the interpreter of the ideals expressed by his great commissioner in a progressive way.