The Abduction of Helen
Name
The Abduction of Helen
Description
The painting illustrates the abduction of Helen by Paris, Prince of Troy, an episode which resulted in the Trojan War. A similar composition, showing Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium is in the Wellington collection at Apsley House, London.
Types
Artist
Category
Collection
Copyright
Public domain
Cover
Inventory number
P634
Location
Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
Medium
Movement
Provenance
The painting was acquired by Sir Richard Wallace in 1872 to Alfred Beurdeley, Paris, March 5, 1872.
Size of the artwork
40.3 x 59.4 cm, with frame 59 x 75 x 5 cm
Statement
Typical example of the small, detailed paintings on copper showing historical scenes for which Johann Georg Platzer is best known. Ancient Greek sources vary as to the nature of Helen’s abduction, it is sometimes described as a forced abduction but also as a calm and consensual event. Platzer follows the tradition of Western painting, and shows a violent scene of chaos and destruction.
Year
Between 1740 and 1760