Judgement of Paris, 1520-1525
Allaert Claesz; Artist: After Sebald Behamexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Anonymous giftexpand_more 2018.96.24
Not on Viewexpand_more
Allaert Claesz. has given us a front row seat at a mythological beauty pageant, which is said to have taken place on the island of Crete. Paris, a mortal of good reputation has been called upon to determine the fairest among three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Here we are in round one of the contest, when Paris found that he could not choose because the goddesses remained clothed. Eventually, the contest came down to bribery: Hera offered political power; Athena tried wisdom and military prowess; and Aphrodite offered Helen, the most beautiful woman on Earth. Paris opted for carnal pleasure, which triggered jealousies that led to the Trojan War.
Allaert Claesz. did not invent this composition. It is closely copied from an engraving by the German engraver Hans Sebald Beham.
Details
- Title
- Judgement of Paris
- Artist Life
- 1500–1550
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2018.96.24
- Provenance
- John E. Andrus III (Wayzata, Minn.); Julie Andrus (Minneapolis, Minn.)
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Bartsch 25, Hollstein 116
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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