The Judgment of Paris (Visual Description)

This horizontal canvas features a cast of subjects including three nude goddesses, one of whom accepts a golden apple from an awe-struck shepherd. The goddesses stand near the center of the canvas awash in brilliant light, the staring shepherd seated at our left. The gifting of the apple is watched by many in the painting including a nude, winged cherub standing beneath the apple, and a God who stands behind the cherub. Draped in blue fabric, the God wears a straw hat with small white wings. Looking on from our right of the goddesses are two horned and red-faced satyrs; a lounging woman holding a cornucopia bouquet overflowing with fruits and flowers; and a balding older man with a flute and gray beard. This horizontal canvas features a cast of subjects including three nude goddesses, one of whom accepts a golden apple from an awe-struck shepherd. The goddesses stand near the center of the canvas awash in brilliant light, the staring shepherd seated at our left. The gifting of the apple is watched by many in the painting including a nude, winged cherub standing beneath the apple, and a God who stands behind the cherub. Draped in blue fabric, the God wears a straw hat with small white wings. Looking on from our right of the goddesses are two horned and red-faced satyrs; a lounging woman holding a cornucopia bouquet overflowing with fruits and flowers; and a balding older man with a flute and gray beard.

The Judgment of Paris, Jacob Jordaens (Flanders, 1593-1678), ca. 1620-1625, oil on canvas, 48 x 59 x 3 1/2 in. Gift of The Samuel H. Kress Foundation

This horizontal canvas features a cast of subjects including three nude goddesses, a bare-backed shepherd, two leering satyrs, a God in a winged straw hat, and a cherub, all rendered in rich, brilliant oil paints. The three goddesses stand in a pool of light near the center of the painting, all with light skin tones, their fleshy hips, and buttocks rendered pink and rosy. On our right, Athena stands with her back to us. In the center, Hera faces us directly. On our left, Aphrodite stands sideways facing a muscular shepherd seated at the left edge of the canvas – Paris. Draped in a loose sheet of red fabric, Paris stares at Aphrodite, mouth agape, offering her a golden apple with an extended hand. Meeting his gaze with a tilt of her head, Aphrodite accepts the apple. The exchange is watched by many in the painting including a nude, winged cherub standing beneath the apple, and the god Hermes, who stands behind the cherub draped in blue fabric wearing a straw hat with small white wings. Also looking on from our far right are two horned and red-faced satyrs; a lounging woman holding a cornucopia bouquet overflowing with fruits and flowers; and a balding older man with a flute and gray beard.

 

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