Judgment of Paris 1660 - 1685

Cast in silver, this depiction of the Judgment of Paris captures a pivotal moment from classical mythology. Paris, son of Priam, is tasked with choosing the fairest among goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, each vying for the prize of a golden apple. Notice the symbolism inherent in their attributes. Hera embodies power, Athena, wisdom, and Aphrodite, love and beauty. Paris's choice of Aphrodite resonates through history, echoing in countless works of art. Consider Botticelli's "Birth of Venus", where Venus emerges as the embodiment of beauty, a continuation of Aphrodite's allure. Such imagery taps into a deep-seated human fascination with beauty and desire. The psychological weight of this scene lies in the drama of choice, resonating with our own internal conflicts and the allure of competing desires.