17th Century French School - The Judgment Of Paris

A magnificent oil painting on canvas depicting one of the most famous myths in Greek mythology: The Judgement of Paris. This 17th-century French School painting exquisitely illustrates the scene in which the Trojan prince Paris, appointed 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 simple and elegant ungilded wooden frame that enhances the composition.

The painter brilliantly orchestrated the scene in a pastoral setting with warm, contrasting colors. The golden light highlights the curves of the female figures and enhances the draped fabrics, while the bucolic background adds narrative depth. The protagonists are arranged with theatrical dynamics:
Paris, dressed in a shepherd's cloak, offers 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 enliven the composition.
The scene is bordered by symbolic elements, such as the surrounding nature, which recall the mythological and pastoral nature of the story.
We can see Paris offering the apple to Aphrodite, with Hera and Athena awaiting the verdict. Hermes, recognizable by his messenger-like attitude, seems to guide the scene, while Cupid hovers in the air, discreetly influencing Paris's choice.
The Judgment of Paris is a key episode in Greek mythology, recounted notably 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 Conservation
The work is in good overall condition, with beautifully preserved pigments and a uniform patina. It has been carefully relined and the stretcher replaced to ensure its solidity.
Technical Characteristics
Period: 17th century
School: French
Medium: 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 embraces the codes of Classicism while incorporating the elegance of Rococo. It is a precious testament to European pictorial heritage and represents a timeless subject sought after by collectors and art lovers.

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