Raoul René Bernard
(Elfbeuf 1881–1961 Hendage)
Faust in front of Helena (Goethe, Faust II, 3. Act) / Goethe after Pierre Jean David d’Angers
1932, Bronze

In the Helena Act, Goethe combines the medieval world with Greek antiquity. In the Classical Walpurgisnight, Faust finally succeeded in conjuring up Helena. Dressed in knight's armor, he kneels before the beautiful Helena in her peplos. He shows his reverence and promises her his loyalty:

„First let me-kneel and by my act of homage, / noble lady, obtain your grace, then kiss / the handthat raises me to sit beside you. / Confirm mea s co-regent of your realm / that knows no bounds, and in one person gain / a worshiper, a vassal, a protector“.