Judgement of Paris n.d.

This drawing of 'The Judgement of Paris' was made by Francesco Trevisani in 1686. Here, we see Paris, the Trojan prince, tasked with a fateful decision: to award the golden apple to the fairest of three goddesses—Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite. Observe the key symbols: The golden apple itself, a token of discord, reappears throughout art history, embodying rivalry and choice. Aphrodite accepts the prize, and with it, the promise of Helen of Troy's hand in marriage, thus igniting the Trojan War. Interestingly, this narrative is not just a tale of divine vanity, but a reflection of deep psychological currents. The act of judgement, of choosing one ideal over others, echoes our own internal conflicts and desires. Note the intense emotions conveyed through posture and gesture. There is the proud stance of Athena, and the alluring pose of Aphrodite. The story of Paris and his fateful decision continues to reverberate through art, literature, and our collective psyche. Its symbols resurface, adapted and reinterpreted, reminding us of the eternal power of beauty, desire, and the consequences of choice.