‘Helen and Cassandra,’ illustration by Frederick Sandys (1832–1904) (original) (raw)

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.

[Click on image to enlarge it, and mouse over text to find links.]

Details

• Troy on fire
• Amphora in the background
• Cassandra's foot on mirror
• The women's heads

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.