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Drawing - Helen (Flamma Troiae)
  • Helen (Flamma Troiae)
    Morris, William, born 1834 - died 1896
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Helen (Flamma Troiae)

  • Object:

    Drawing

  • Date:

    ca. 1860 (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Morris, William, born 1834 - died 1896 (maker)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Pencil and watercolour on paper

  • Museum number:

    E.571-1940

  • Gallery location:

    Prints & Drawings Study Room, room WS, case R, shelf 80, box R

William Morris drew this design for one of a number of embroidered panels. It was part of an elaborate decorating scheme for the drawing room at Red House, Morris's home at the time. The panels were inspired by Chaucer's14th-century poem 'The Legend of Goode Wimmen' and depict various heroines, such as Helen of Troy, as seen here. The Latin word Flamma refers to the passions she excited as well as to the flaming torch she carries.

Date

ca. 1860 (made)

Artist/maker

Morris, William, born 1834 - died 1896 (maker)

Materials and Techniques

Pencil and watercolour on paper

Dimensions

Height: 124.7 cm, Width: 62.4 cm

Descriptive line

Drawing of Helen (Flamma Troia) by William Morris, ca. 1860.

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Fagence Cooper, Suzanne, Pre Raphaelite Art in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, V&A Publications, 2003. 176p., ill. ISBN I 85177 393 2

Materials

Paper (fiber product)

Subjects depicted

Crown; Torches (lighting devices)

Categories

Designs; Drawings

Collection

Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection

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