“The Judgment of Paris,” created by Peter Paul Rubens circa 1636, exemplifies the Baroque art movement and is classified within the genre of mythological painting. This artwork serves as a visual representation of the well-known mythological narrative where Paris, a mortal man, is tasked with determining the fairest among three goddesses.
The artwork depicts a pastoral scene imbued with dynamism and drama, typical of Baroque artistry. At the centre, three goddesses stand in varying states of undress, presenting themselves to a seated Paris, who is discernible on the left. He appears contemplative, leaning on his staff with a shepherd’s dog by his side, symbolizing his pastoral life before his fateful involvement with the Olympian deities. Each goddess showcases attributes that reflect her identity and the qualities she is associated with in classical mythology; their gestures and expressions convey the competition for the golden apple of discord, which a figure on the right extends towards Paris.
The figure of Hermes, identifiable by his winged helmet, is depicted in the act of presenting the apple, serving as the intermediary between the mortals and the divine. Accompanying the goddesses are two cherubs, one of whom hovers above holding a crown of flowers, suggesting the imminent crowning of the ‘fairest one.’ The composition is replete with luxurious drapery, soft flesh tones, and an elaborate mise-en-scène that includes a bucolic landscape in the background and finely detailed objects, such as the armor and instruments symbolizing war and power.
Peter Paul Rubens’ masterful handling of the rich, flowing brushwork and lush color palette accentuates the sensuality and opulence characteristic of his mythological scenes. The artwork captures the moment of tension and expectation, with the eternal question of beauty and value poised delicately at its center.
