Anyhow, I end by offering you my most hearty congratulations.—Most sincerely yours,
Richard Doyle.
[39] Referring to Leighton's painting of "Helen of Troy," exhibited in 1865, Mr. Martin Tupper wrote:—
Albury House, Nr. Guilford,
May 23, 1865.
Dear Sir,—It is just possible that the following few words of comment upon your wonderfully spiritualised "Helen of Troy" may be acceptable to you from the undersigned.
The "Helen" of Euripides is very little read amongst us, and yet it is as strangely sensational as "The Woman in White": there being two Helens in the play, the real substantial wife remaining faithful to Menelaus in the island of Pharos, while Juno gives to Paris—out of jealous rage at him for his "judgment" in favour of Venus—"an image composed of ether" in the likeness of Helen.
This Ethereal Presence you have so exquisitely portrayed that it is probable you know the play! only that I think you would then have quoted from it in the R.A. catalogue, in explanation of what confuses some of your ignorant reviewers as to this embodied spirit.
The counterfeit Helen was of "unsubstantial air," a figure marvellously rendered in your picture, and which I can fully appreciate: and you quote a very apposite passage from Lord Derby's "Homer," as that which you illustrate; but if there are reprints of the catalogue, I would suggest the addition of a line from Euripides, as thus:—
"Juno to Paris gave me—yet not me,
But in my semblance formed a living image
Composed of ether."
Wodhall's Eur. Hel.
If haply you do not know the book, inquire at Longman's for the fifth volume of the Greek Tragic Theatre (in English); or, should you prefer it, of course it is extant in the Greek. If not easily attainable in London, I shall be happy to lend you the volume by post. Congratulating you on your difficult and exquisite achievement—I am, dear sir, truly yours,