The Chosen Five
This painting shows the studio of the Greek artist, Zeuxis (c.464 BCE-c.4th century BCE) who became famous for his ability to imitate nature and especially still life with his art.
The painting tells the story of Zeuxis, who in an attempt to portray the perfect beauty of Helen of Troy, invited the most beautiful women in the city of Croton to model for him. From these he selected five, taking from each their best physical features to make a composite image of ideal beauty.
