Paris and Helen
Jacques-Louis David · 1788
Why it's great
The prince Paris sits beside Helen of Troy, with Cupid close by, in a graceful chamber. According to legend, their love began the Trojan War. David painted it in 1788 in the elegant style of ancient Greece. It's a beautiful scene with a sad ending to come.
Where to see it
📍 Louvre MuseumParis, France
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Jacques-Louis David was born in Paris and became the greatest painter of the Neoclassical style, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. He supported the French Revolution and later became Napoleon's official painter. After Napoleon fell, he was forced into exile and spent his last years in Brussels, Belgium. He taught many famous students and shaped French art for generations.
