Judgement of Paris William Etty (1787-1849)

The composition presents a scene unfolding in what appears to be a pastoral setting, dominated by figures engaged in a moment of deliberation and display. A young man, seated on a low mound, gestures towards three female figures who stand before him. He holds out an object – likely an apple – towards the central woman, initiating or concluding a judgment.
The women are depicted with varying degrees of modesty; one is draped in a cloth that partially conceals her form, another stands completely nude, while the third is similarly exposed but turned slightly away from the viewer. Their expressions range from serene to expectant, contributing to an atmosphere of heightened anticipation. A small, cherubic figure rests at the feet of the central woman, adding a layer of innocence and perhaps symbolizing beauty or desire.
Behind these figures, partially obscured by a luminous haze, is another female form – presumably a goddess – appearing as if emerging from the light. Her posture suggests observation and involvement in the proceedings. To the right of the scene, a peacock stands amidst scattered objects, its plumage adding a touch of opulence and symbolic weight to the composition. The bird’s presence often signifies pride or vanity, potentially foreshadowing the consequences of the judgment about to be rendered.
The artists use of light is significant; it illuminates the central figures while casting the background in shadow, drawing attention to the core action. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, contributing to a sense of dynamism and immediacy.
Subtly embedded within this scene are themes of beauty, competition, and divine intervention. The act of judgment itself suggests an evaluation based on subjective criteria – in this case, female allure – and hints at the potential for conflict arising from such assessments. The presence of the goddess in the background implies a higher power overseeing human affairs, while the peacock serves as a visual cue to the themes of vanity and its possible repercussions. The overall effect is one of dramatic tension and symbolic complexity, inviting contemplation on the nature of beauty, desire, and fate.