Oordeel van Paris 1623 - 1676

This is François Chauveau's print of 'The Judgement of Paris' at the Rijksmuseum, made using etching techniques in the 17th century. The composition is dominated by the contrast between the dense, dark forest on the left and the comparatively open, light-filled space on the right, where the goddesses stand. The lines are finely rendered, creating a textured surface that plays with light and shadow. The figures are arranged in a dynamic yet balanced manner, with Paris seated passively while the goddesses present themselves. This arrangement reinforces the narrative tension, as Paris must choose the fairest among them. The semiotic weight of this scene lies in its representation of choice and beauty, elements that were central to the artistic and philosophical discourses of the time. Chauveau employs classical motifs to engage with themes of beauty, power, and divine judgment. The composition invites us to contemplate the criteria by which we make such judgments and the values that inform them.