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- Johann Georg Platzer (1704 - 1761)
- The Abduction of Helen
- Austria
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- Date: c. 1740 - 1760
- Object Type: Painting
- Medium: Oil on copper
- Image size: 40.3 x 59.4 cm
- Frame size: 59 x 75 x 5 cm
- Inv: P634
- Location: Cloakroom
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- Description
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- P634 is a typical example of the small, detailed paintings on copper showing historical scenes for which Johann Georg Platzer is best known. Here, the subject is taken from Greek mythology and the picture illustrates the abduction of Helen by Paris, Prince of Troy, an episode which resulted in the Trojan War. 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. A similar composition, showing Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium is in the collection at Apsley House, London.
The painting was acquired by Sir Richard Wallace in 1872.
- P634 is a typical example of the small, detailed paintings on copper showing historical scenes for which Johann Georg Platzer is best known. Here, the subject is taken from Greek mythology and the picture illustrates the abduction of Helen by Paris, Prince of Troy, an episode which resulted in the Trojan War. 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. A similar composition, showing Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium is in the collection at Apsley House, London.