3-020-986 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Fair Helen of Kirkconnel", by J. Archer, in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, 1869. Engraving of a painting. 'The pathetic ballad which gives both subject and title to this excellently-treated (especially in respect of attention to probabilities) and ably-executed picture, by Mr. J. Archer, a Scotch artist of well-known merit and promise, is of uncertain date. It was founded, however, upon a real tragedy that happened in Dumfriesshire. The lady was daughter of the Laird of Kirkconnel; the name of the favoured suitor was Adam Fleming, of Kirkpatrick; and his rival is alleged to have been one Bell, of Blacket House. The painter quotes, in the catalogue of the Exhibition of the Royal Academy just opened, and wherein the picture has found a place, the following lines from the ballad: "Curst be the heart that thought the thought, And curst the hand that fired the shot, When in my arms burd Helen dropt, And died to succour me".' From "Illustrated London News", 1869.