Mythological Scene: Aphrodite Presents Helen to Paris, 1800s, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Description

The antique paintings category presents a mythological scene, an oil painting on canvas from the 19th century.

This antique artwork … Read more The antique paintings category presents a mythological scene, an oil painting on canvas from the 19th century.

This antique artwork is typically Neoclassical, probably dating from the late 18th or early 19th century.

Although unsigned, it is an antique French school painting, created by a 19th-century artist.

The piece is enhanced with a gilded frame, a hallmark of French antiquities. Anonymous author.

The composition most likely depicts Paris and Helen with Aphrodite (Venus). A semi-nude young man, draped in

a red mantle, sits on the edge of a bed, reaching out toward a woman with a gaze of wonder and desire: this is Paris,

the Trojan prince. At the center, a partially nude young woman with fair skin and a white drapery slipping from her

shoulders is supported by another female figure: Helen of Sparta, the symbol of supreme beauty.

Beside her stands a serene, maternal figure dressed in golden yellow and green, gently kissing or encouraging her:

Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love, guiding Helen toward Paris.

In the background on the right, a smaller figure holds a torch or lamp, symbolizing Hymen, god of marriage,

or Eros, a constant presence in mythological love scenes.

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Canvas size: 65 x 65 cm
with frame: 81 x 81 cm
Depth: 6 cm
Weight: 3 kg

Restored painting | French origin | 19th century | Antiques | Antique Paintings | French School See less