Judgment of Paris

Artist Giuseppe Ghezzi (Italian, 1634-1721)

Datec. 1690s

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsImage: 68 × 96 1/2 in. (172.7 × 245.1 cm)
Frame: 79 3/8 × 107 13/16 in. (201.6 × 273.8 cm)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum purchase, 1998

Object numberSN11033

This work is an excellent example of the High Baroque, characterized by ornate compositions, elaborate sculptural forms, sumptuous draperies, and unusual coloring and lighting effects. Here, the Swiss-born David depicts the mythological contest in which the shepherd, Paris, must choose the fairest of three goddesses whose prize was a golden apple. Each, in turn, attempts to bribe Paris before he ultimately chooses Aphrodite (with the green mantle) and her offer of any woman on earth, a decision ultimately leading to the Trojan War.

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