Who created "The Abduction of Helen"?

The Abduction of Helen was created by Luca Giordano in 1634–1705.

When was "The Abduction of Helen" created?

This artwork was created 1634–1705.

What medium is "The Abduction of Helen"?

The Abduction of Helen is Pen and brown ink.

Is "The Abduction of Helen" in the public domain?

Yes, The Abduction of Helen is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

The Abduction of Helen

Luca Giordano

1634–1705

Medium

Pen and brown ink

Dimensions

7 13/16 x 10 1/2in. (19.9 x 26.7cm)

Classification

Drawings

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Harry G. Sperling Fund, 1977

Accession Number

1977.127

Tags

MenHelen

Art Historical Context

In the spirited drawing *The Abduction of Helen*, Neapolitan Baroque master Luca Giordano (1634–1705) captures a pivotal moment from Greek mythology: the Trojan prince Paris seizing the Spartan queen Helen, igniting the Trojan War. Created with pen and brown ink on a modest sheet measuring 7 13/16 x 10 1/2 inches (19.9 x 26.7 cm), this exemplifies Giordano's nickname "Luca Fa Presto" (Luca, do it quickly), reflecting his famously swift and fluid draftsmanship. As a key figure in the late 17th-century Neapolitan school, Giordano blended dramatic movement and emotional intensity characteristic o...

About the Artist

Luca Giordano · 1634–1705

Luca Giordano (1634–1705) was an Italian painter of the late Baroque period who was one of the most prolific and versatile artists of the seventeenth century, earning the nickname "Luca fa presto" ("Luca works fast") for his extraordinary speed of execution. Born in Naples, he studied under José de Ribera and traveled extensively in Italy, absorbing influences from the Venetian colorists, Pietro d...

The Abduction of Helen

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