Helen and Achilles are central characters in the story of the Trojan War. Helen is the most beautiful woman in the world. Her abduction triggers the ten-year war, while Achilles' short but glorious life is the tale of one of the greatest Greek heroes. Each is a fascinating and complex figure. Focusing on significant moments from the lives of Helen and Achilles through the themes of beauty and heroism, four objects will tour to Reading, Surrey and Dundee between September 2021 and August 2022.
A British Museum Spotlight Loan Troy: Beauty and Heroism features an Etruscan urn, never been on loan before, portraying Helen's abduction by the Trojan prince Paris, while an Athenian amphora shows the brutal side of Achilles. Supplementing these ancient objects are artworks by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882) and Pietro Testa (1612–1650). This touring show will convey key events in the story of the Trojan War that define the lives and character of these two figures, as interpreted by ancient and modern artists.
Complementing objects on loan from the British Museum will be items from The McManus' collections and loans from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and the University of Dundee.
The exhibition is brought to you by:
The Trustees of the British Museum
Supported by the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M Weinrebe
Leisure & Culture Dundee
