Het oordeel van Paris 1637

Pierre Lemaire etched "The Judgement of Paris" in the 17th century, capturing a pivotal moment steeped in symbolism. Here we witness Paris, a mortal shepherd, tasked with the impossible decision of choosing the fairest among goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The golden apple, clutched by one of the goddesses, represents discord and temptation, echoing tales from antiquity to our present day. Note the helmet of Athena, symbolising wisdom and strategic warfare, contrasted with Aphrodite's alluring stance, hinting at the power of love and desire. These archetypes resonate across cultures, appearing in Renaissance paintings and even modern cinema, each time adapted to reflect the prevailing ethos. The psychological weight of choice, the allure of beauty, and the consequences of decisions – these themes continue to engage us, revealing our shared human condition through the ages.