Home > Arts > Artists > W > Henry Walter
Toilet of Helen, La Belle Hélène, 1914. Creator: Bryson Burroughs
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Toilet of Helen, La Belle Hélène, 1914. Creator: Bryson Burroughs
Toilet of Helen, La Belle Helene, 1914. Helen of Troy making herself up at a very modern looking dressing-table while Troy burns in the background. Given that this painting is dated 1914, the year war broke out in Europe, the painting could also be read satirically
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36365204
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Ancient City Attendant Breast Breasts Burning Conceit Conceited Dressing Table Dressingtable Ethnicity Helen Of Sparta Helen Of Troy Ignoring Mixed Race Group Powder Puff Semi Dress Semi Naked Semi Nude Servant Servants Toilet Toilette Troy Vanity View Through Walters Art Museum Greek Mythology Parody Satirical
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Henry Walter
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Modern art
> Portraits
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Portraits
> Modern art
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Oil paintings
> Portrait paintings
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Portrait painting
> Modern art gallery
> Arts
> Pop art
> Satire
> Satirical artwork
> Arts
> Portraits
> Black and white portraits
> Modern art
> Arts
> Street art graffiti
> Portraits
> Modern art
> Historic
> Ancient civilizations
> Ancient Greece
> Greek mythology
EDITORS COMMENTS
Toilet of Helen, La Belle Hélène" is a captivating oil painting by American artist Bryson Burroughs, created in 1914. This intriguing work of art depicts the legendary Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships and the cause of the Trojan War, engaged in a seemingly mundane activity at a modern dressing table. The background, however, reveals a city in flames, symbolizing the impending chaos of the First World War, which had broken out in Europe that same year. Helen, dressed in a semi-nude, semi-dress, is focused on her reflection in the mirror, applying makeup with a powder puff, seemingly oblivious to the impending destruction. An attendant, a mixed-race figure, stands by, ready to assist. The dressing table, adorned with various cosmetics and furniture, is a stark contrast to the burning cityscape behind them. The painting could be read as a commentary on the conceit and vanity of Helen, who is famously known for her beauty and the lengths people went to in order to possess her. The modern setting of the painting, with its contemporary furniture and cosmetics, adds an element of satire, as if to suggest that not much has changed in the human obsession with physical beauty, even as the world around them burns. Bryson Burroughs masterfully employs color and composition to create a thought-provoking piece that invites the viewer to ponder the deeper meaning behind the image. The use of a mixed-race attendant adds an interesting layer to the painting, as it could be interpreted as a commentary on the ethnic diversity of the United States in the early 20th century. Overall, "Toilet of Helen, La Belle Hélène" is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on mythology, vanity, and the passage of time.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
