The Judgment of Paris Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

Description of Peter Rubens’ The Judgment of Paris

Rubens painted a number of magnificent paintings on this popular subject of ancient times. So why was he attracted to this subject? The artist loved the fact that one could depict naked female bodies against the grandiose backdrop of a magnificent landscape.

We see Paris. He is dressed in the traditional attire of a shepherd. He looks very closely at the three beauties. They are completely naked. Nothing should distract from the responsible choice. We see that Paris really likes the three goddesses. The elegance of their poses is impressive. Mercury is holding the coveted apple. It is this that will be the reward.

Venus is depicted accompanied by her son Cupid, Athena with an owl, and Hera with the ever-present peacock. We can see how meek all three goddesses are. They seem to wait quite calmly for Paris’ decision. Nothing at all seems to foreshadow the kind of disastrous consequences that the choice that Paris has made has led to. As we know, it is what led to the outbreak of the devastating war in Troy.

So who is Paris? He is the son of Priam, king of Troy. Even at birth he was predicted that because of him the whole country would perish. His father gave orders that the baby be put to death. The servant took pity on the child and simply left him on the mountain. The shepherds found the child and brought him up.

Paris had to decide which goddess was the most beautiful. The golden apple became the prize. Juno promised him the chance to become the most powerful ruler; Minerva promised that he would be a great hero. Venus promised the love of a beautiful woman. Paris’s choice was predetermined. He decided to name Venus as the beautiful one. But the other two goddesses were very offended. Paris decides to simply kidnap Helen. As a result, war broke out, which resulted in the complete destruction of Troy.

The richness of the colors and lush coloring of Rubens’ painting is impressive. He was able to masterfully convey the beauty of the female body and the splendor of unspoiled nature.