Judgment of Paris 18th-19th century

Curator: This is Jean-Baptiste Regnault's "Judgment of Paris," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's an ink drawing, and quite small, less than 20 centimeters in either direction. Editor: It has such a dreamlike quality! The lack of stark contrasts makes it seem as though we're peering into a memory or a mythologized past. Curator: Absolutely. Notice how Regnault's composition guides the viewer's eye. The central figure, Venus, is highlighted by her placement and the clarity of her form. Paris, on the left, provides a grounding weight to the scene, while the peacock adds to the structure. Editor: The peacock, of course, is an ancient symbol of vanity, often associated with Juno. It's fascinating how Regnault uses these classical symbols to enrich the narrative. The apple, offered to Venus, becomes weighted with layers of meaning. Curator: Indeed. And the octagonal shape of the work itself, while unusual, serves to contain the drama, focusing our attention on the figures and their relationships. Editor: Ultimately, this piece illustrates the enduring power of myth to explore themes of beauty, power, and choice, doesn’t it? Curator: I would agree. It is quite intriguing to consider its complex construction alongside its powerful imagery.