The Judgment of Paris 1510 - 1563

"The Judgment of Paris" is a 16th-century etching by Venetian artist Andrea Schiavone, also known as Andrea Meldola. The artwork depicts the famous Greek myth in which Paris, the Trojan prince, chooses Aphrodite as the most beautiful of the three goddesses, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The composition includes a group of figures in the lower part of the etching, representing Paris and the three goddesses, while a group of figures in the upper part depict the three goddesses, each accompanied by their attribute; Hera is with her peacock, Athena with her owl, and Aphrodite with a dove and a horse. The etching, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcases Schiavone's mastery of linework and his ability to create a sense of drama and movement. The artwork is a testament to the artist’s skill in depicting the human form and creating a captivating visual narrative.