The Judgment of Paris c. 18th century

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the rather muted tonality, that sepia wash gives the scene a wistful, almost melancholic air. Editor: Indeed. This is Nicolaas Verkolje's "The Judgment of Paris," a drawing in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Verkolje, born in 1673, was well-regarded for his refined portrayals of classical scenes. Curator: Look at the figures, though. Their poses are so deliberate, almost theatrical. The entire composition reads as a carefully staged tableau. Editor: The narrative is key here. The "Judgment of Paris" was a popular subject, reflecting contemporary society's preoccupations with beauty, power, and destiny. Curator: Yes, but it’s the formal qualities that truly hold my attention. The subtle gradations of light and shadow, the carefully rendered musculature... Editor: It's a reminder of how art, even when seemingly about mythology, always reflects the values and concerns of its own time. I find it telling, really. Curator: Perhaps. And yet, the enduring appeal of classical forms still speaks volumes. Editor: Well said. Food for thought!