The Judgement of Paris

The Judgement of Paris, Peter Paul Rubens c. 1632

The Judgement of Paris, Peter Paul Rubens c. 1638/9

The Judgement of Paris is a story from Greek mythology, in which the legendary roots of the Trojan War can be found. As with many mythological tales, details vary depending on the source. (For a more complete treatment, see Paris)

Zeus (Jupiter) held a banquet in celebration of the marriage of Peleus and Thetis. Left off the guest list was Eris (goddess of discord), and upon turning up uninvited she threw a golden apple on to the table, with the inscription καλλιστι ('for the fairest'). Three goddesses claimed the apple: Hera (Juno), Athena (Minerva) and Aphrodite (Venus). They asked Zeus to judge which of them was fairest, and eventually Zeus declared that Paris, a Phrygian mortal, would judge their cases.

All three of the candidates attempted to bribe Paris; Hera offered to make him king of Europe and Asia, Athena offered skill in wisdom and war, and Aphrodite offered the love of the world's most beautiful woman. This was Helen of Sparta, wife of the Greek king Menelaus. Paris accepted Aphrodite's gift, receiving Helen and the enmity of the Greeks. The Greeks' expedition to retrieve Helen is the borderline mythological basis of the Trojan War.

Judgement Paris Altemps Inv8563

The Judgment of Paris, Harry Morley (1881 - 1943)

The Judgement of Paris, Paul Cézanne, 15 × 21 cm .1862-1864, private collection

Judgement of Paris, William Blake c. 1817

The Judgement of Paris, Anton Raphael Mengs c. 1757

The Judgement of Paris, Antoine Watteau c. 1720

The Judgement of Paris , Adriaen van der Werff 1716

The Judgement of Paris , Jan Dirksz Both 1645/40

The Judgement of Paris, Joachim Wtewael c. 1612

Judgement of Paris, Joos de Momper

The Judgement of Paris, Hendrick von Balen c. 1599

Judgement of Paris, Juan de Juanes (1523-1579)