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In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus (king of the gods) and Leda (a human). Legend has it that Helen (the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta) was carried away by Paris (the son of the king of Troy), an act which precipitated the siege and destruction of Troy. Some writers have suggested that Helen eloped with Paris and was a willing participant in the tragedy. But this painting shows Helen as innocent of any wrongdoing, surrounded by doves of peace and the white roses of Aphrodite (the goddess of love), whilst gazing into a mirror bearing the image of Aphrodite.