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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