The Judgement Of Paris – 17th Century French School

Magnificent oil painting on canvas depicting one of the most famous myths of Greek mythology: The Judgement of Paris. This painting from the 17th century French School illustrates with refinement the scene where the Trojan prince Paris, designated as judge, must choose the most beautiful of the three goddesses – Hera, Athena and Aphrodite – by offering them the golden apple.
The work has been relined and mounted on a recent stretcher to ensure its preservation. It is presented in a sober and elegant ungilded wooden frame, which highlights the composition.
The painter brilliantly orchestrated the scene in a pastoral setting with warm and contrasting colors. The golden light highlights the curves of the female figures and sublimates the drapes of the fabrics, while the bucolic background brings a narrative depth.
The protagonists are arranged with theatrical dynamics:
Paris, dressed in a shepherd's cloak, holds out the golden apple to Aphrodite, who promises him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen.
On the left, Hera and Athena express their expectation and rivalry, while secondary figures and a winged putto animate the composition.
The scene is bordered by symbolic elements, such as the surrounding nature, which recall the mythological and pastoral character of the story.

We can observe Paris holding out the apple to Aphrodite, with Hera and Athena awaiting the verdict. Hermes, recognizable by his messenger attitude, seems to guide the scene, while Cupid hovers in the air, discreetly influencing Paris' choice.
The Judgement of Paris is a key episode in Greek mythology, recounted in particular in Ovid's Metamorphoses and Homer's Iliad. This event is considered the origin of the Trojan War. This theme has inspired many artists over the centuries, including Rubens, Watteau and David, and remains a major reference in the history of Western art.
Quality and conservationThe work is in good general condition, with beautiful conservation of the pigments and a uniform patina. It has benefited from careful relining and replacement of the frame to ensure its solidity.
Technical characteristics
Period: 17th century
School: French
Technique: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 63 x 51 cm (with frame) | 49 x 37 cm (view)
Shipping: Very careful and secure packaging
This work is part of the great tradition of 17th century French academic and mythological painting, which takes up the codes of classicism while integrating the elegance of rococo. It constitutes a precious testimony to the European pictorial heritage and represents a timeless subject sought after by collectors and art lovers.

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