The Judgment of Paris. Verso: Study for the Same Subject 

Curator: This intriguing wash drawing is by James Barry, the 18th-century Irish painter. It's titled "The Judgment of Paris." Editor: My first impression is one of tension—the three goddesses seem to surge towards Paris, whose expression is one of apprehension. Curator: Barry was deeply engaged with classical mythology, using it to explore themes of beauty, power, and, indeed, judgment. The gaze feels inherently political, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely, particularly when understanding how the Royal Academy influenced Barry's work. The image is a study, allowing us into his artistic process. This glimpse behind the curtain really highlights the social and institutional pressures he was under. Curator: And how those pressures, and the patriarchal structures inherent within them, influenced his representation of women. Editor: Precisely. It offers a rich view into the artistic climate of the time. Curator: Indeed, it encourages a deeper analysis of the power dynamics at play. Editor: And allows us to reflect on the politics of beauty and the lasting legacy of such artworks.