The Judgment of Paris 1530

Lucas Cranach the Elder painted this small panel of 'The Judgement of Paris' sometime in the first half of the sixteenth century. It speaks volumes about art's public role in the Europe of that time. Cranach was a court painter in Saxony, and his vision of classical myth is filtered through the lens of courtly life. Paris, dressed in shining armour, is a far cry from the humble shepherd of legend. The three goddesses wear jewelry and fashionable hats; their bodies conform to contemporary ideals of feminine beauty. Cranach’s nudes, however, are a far cry from the classical ideal. The picture reflects a society preoccupied with appearances and worldly power. It's a vision of myth shaped by the social conditions of its time. To truly understand this work, we need to explore the history of the Saxon court, and the cultural values that shaped Cranach’s vision. The historian's role is vital. The answers are there, in archives, libraries and the fabric of the time.