The Abduction of Helen

Fan with carved, silvered and gilt mother of pearl sticks.
The single leaf is painted on the recto with the Greek myth of the Abduction of Helen.  Helen is abducted and carried off by Paris Prince of Troy, who has claimed her with the approval of Aphrodite, goddess of love.  Helen's husband, King Menelaus of Sparta, reacts by mounting an attack on the city of Troy thus beginning the Trojan War.