Judgment of Paris 1532

This small painting presents us with the Judgment of Paris. On display, the Trojan prince Paris is tasked with selecting the fairest among goddesses: Juno, Minerva, and Venus. Each attempts to sway his decision. Note the symbols: Juno carries a royal scepter, a figure of her sovereignty, while Minerva’s shield and sword exemplify her wisdom. Venus extends the golden apple, promising Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy. This seemingly simple choice is fraught with consequence; a visual premonition of the Trojan War. Consider how the motif of the apple appears throughout history. The apple of Discord thrown by Eris set this very event in motion. The forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden led to mankind’s expulsion. Observe how the apple evolves from a symbol of temptation and discord to one of beauty and desire. The tension in the scene evokes a deep, subconscious connection, reminding us of the power of choice. These images stay with us, reappearing through time, echoing the cyclical nature of history and the timeless pursuit of beauty, wisdom, and power.