Here, Gillam portrays Republican presidential candidate (and soon-to-be nominee) James Blaine as the prostitute Phryne, having amassed personal wealth by allegedly selling his public services to the highest bidder. He is covered with tattoos referring to his scandals, an image used previously by Gillam in "Love's Labors Lost," and the candidate wears a magnetic pad, a mocking allusion to his charismatic ("magnetic") personality. New York Tribune editor Whitelaw Reid is Hypereides, Blaine's defender, who disrobes the prostitute. Various Republican leaders appear as the Athenian judges, reacting variously to the unveiling, from pleasure to contemplation to revulsion.

The figures in the back include (left to right): Senator and presidential candidate George Edmunds of Vermont, who places a hand on his bearded chin in a gesture of concern; Senator Benjamin Harrison of Indiana, who throws his arms up in dismay; Senator John Sherman of Ohio, who recoils in disgust; Senator (and soon-to-be vice-presidential nominee) John Logan of Illinois, who is amused; while Collector of the New York Port Robinson expresses shock.