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This painting depicts a critical moment in classical mythology. The man on the left with his back to us is Paris, who had been raised as a shepherd but was actually a prince of Troy. He has been asked to judge a beauty contest between the goddesses Venus, Juno and Minerva, and to award a golden apple to the winner. We see Paris hand the apple to Venus, won over by her promise to reward him with the love of the most beautiful mortal woman – Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. It is a choice that will lead to Paris’ eventual abduction of Helen, the Greeks' attempts to recapture her and the eventual destruction of Troy. Here, however, his decision is not depicted as a portent, but is hailed by the god Mercury, while four putti descend from the sky to assist in Venus’ coronation.
Title
The Judgement of Paris
Date
about 1597-9
Medium
Oil on oak
Measurements
H 133.9 x W 174.5 cm
Accession number
NG6379
Acquisition method
Bought, 1966
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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