The scene represents the moment after Hippolytos has opened and read the love note from his stepmother Phaedra. Hippolytos is caught in a state of confusion whilst Phaedra is sat on her throne awaiting his response. Those who looked upon the scene would have been well aware of what happened following Phaedra’s rash declaration of love; Hippolytos’ death and Phaedra’s suicide. Hippolytos is represented nude apart from hunting boots, spear and cloak draped over his shoulde. The presence of an Eros with a flaming torch is used to represent Phaedra’s passion for her stepson.