Roof van Helena c. 1572 - 1652

Johannes and Lucas van Doetechum made this engraving, Roof van Helena, sometime in the 16th century. It depicts the abduction of Helen of Troy, an event that triggered the Trojan War. Look at how the image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references. Made in the Netherlands, it portrays a classical subject from Greek mythology, a common theme in European art of this period. The attention to detail, from the architecture to the figures' musculature, speaks to the influence of the Renaissance. The dramatic composition, with its dynamic figures and chaotic scene, aligns with the Mannerist style. Engravings like this one often served to disseminate classical stories and artistic styles, contributing to a shared European culture. Examining prints from this period, along with historical texts, helps us understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production and the public role of art.