The Judgement of Paris

The golden apple passes towards Venus, the goddess at the centre. Three women have competed for the judgement of Paris, a young man raised as a shepherd who is also a prince of Troy. His choice will have consequences far beyond this quiet landscape. In the ancient story, the apple is promised to the fairest goddess. Juno offers power, Minerva wisdom and strength, and Venus the love of Helen of Sparta. Paris accepts Venus’s offer, setting in motion events that lead to the Trojan War. Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish painter, made this version in the 1630s. Each goddess turns differently, allowing him to show flesh, drapery and expression from several viewpoints. The god Mercury has brought them to the contest and watches beside Paris. Look above the figures for the darker presence of a Fury in the clouds. It disturbs the peaceful impression of the landscape. Rubens gives the moment of choosing a sensual ease, while leaving a sign of the violence that follows.