Helen and Cassandra

Frederick Sandys

1866

Wood engraving by Joseph Swain

7 x 5 inches

Illustration for Once a Week, 28 April, 1866, facing p.454.

The scene shows the prophetess Cassandra berating Helen as Troy burns in the background; the flames are both literal and a metaphorical showing of anger. Helen is the type of petulance Sandys favoured, tugging at something in her mouth in the manner of a spoiled child.

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Details

  • Troy on fire
  • Amphora in the background
  • Cassandra's foot on mirror
  • The women's heads
  • Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.