Helen on the Walls of Troy 1885

"Helen on the Walls of Troy," a watercolor by Gustave Moreau, depicts the tragic figure of Helen of Troy in a dramatic and symbolic setting. Painted in 1885, this work exemplifies Moreau's characteristically lush and sensual style, echoing the Symbolist movement of the late 19th century. The scene is framed by the crumbling walls of Troy, with the distant landscape bathed in a dramatic twilight. The iconic figure of Helen is portrayed with a melancholic gaze, her regal attire and jeweled bracelets juxtaposed with the fallen figure at her feet, hinting at the immense cost of her beauty and the war it ignited.