Sketch for “Judgement of Paris” c. 1892

Henryk Siemiradzki created this oil on canvas sketch as preparation for his grand painting, “Judgement of Paris.” While the final painting is known for its highly polished and detailed finish, this sketch reveals the artist’s process, focusing on the raw qualities of the oil paint. You can see how Siemiradzki used loose brushstrokes to capture the dynamism of the scene, the movement of the figures, and the overall composition. The texture of the canvas and the layering of paint create a depth that adds to the lively atmosphere of the scene. The choice of oil paint, a traditional medium, connects Siemiradzki to a long lineage of academic painting. However, the sketch-like quality also hints at a more modern approach, where the process of making becomes visible and valued. This balance between tradition and innovation is what makes this sketch so compelling, challenging the conventional distinctions between a preliminary study and a finished work of art.