The Judgement Of Paris Follower Of Peter Paul Rubens (siegen 1577 - Antwerp 1640)

The Judgement of Paris
Follower of Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577 - Antwerp 1640)

oil on canvas

cm. 58 x 74 - with frame 70 x 85

Comlpete details at the following LINK

The proposed painting depicts one of the crucial moments of classical mythology, namely "The Judgement of Paris", the Trojan hero who, by order of Zeus, had to choose which of Juno, Minerva and Venus was the most beautiful of the goddesses, to whom he would give the famous golden apple.

This work is taken from a painting by Rubens, made between 1638 and 1639, and kept at the National Gallery in London (inv. no. NG194).
Link: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/peter-paul-rubens-the-judgement-of-paris

A similar version to ours, as a workshop work, is at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden: https://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/Details/Index/401647
https://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/Details/Index/401647, while a very similar one is at Christies London (9.12.2022, Old Master Paintings and Sculpture lot 129. Link: https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/old-master-paintings-sculpture/follower-sir-peter-paul-rubens-129...)

The version of the episode immortalised by Rubens draws inspiration from the Greek poet Lucian's version (Dialogues of the Gods), where Paris, who was unable to decide the winner, asks the three goddesses to strip naked.

On the left Minerva, goddess of war and wisdom, has her hands raised with which she holds her robes above her head. Her owl is perched on a tree above while her weapons are laid at her side. On the right is Juno, wife of Jupiter, with the peacock at her feet, leaning out against the dog, as if she already knew that the apple would not be destined for the goddess.

Paris in fact hands the golden apple to Venus, goddess of Love, portrayed centre back, accompanied by her little son, Cupid, god of erotic love, crouched on the ground behind her. Venus clasps her robe to her breast as if surprised to have won, although all the goddesses had tried to cheat in order to excel.

Rubens has succeeded in transforming the story into a rural idyll, with a landscape shrouded in the warm evening sun, framing the three nude figures, each shown with a different angle of the body, but united by great sensuality.

Only a few grey clouds and the reflection of Medusa with snakes in her hair in Minerva's shield disturb the scene, suggesting that peace will not last.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a nice frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes about 10/20 days; our gallery will take care of the whole phase until it is obtained. All costs of this operation are included.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.
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