Oordeel van Paris 1517 - 1520

This engraving, "Oordeel van Paris," was made by Marcantonio Raimondi in the early 16th century. The composition is structured around a central clearing where the figures of Paris and the goddesses Venus, Juno, and Minerva are dramatically lit. Raimondi masterfully uses line and texture to differentiate the earthly and celestial realms. Look at how the dense, cross-hatched shading in the wooded area contrasts with the lighter, more ethereal treatment of the sky where the Olympian gods reside. This division highlights the thematic tension between mortal choice and divine influence. Semiotically, the apple Paris holds is not just a piece of fruit; it is a signifier of beauty, discord, and destiny, encapsulating the narrative's core conflict. Consider how Raimondi destabilizes traditional representations of beauty through the varied poses and body types of the goddesses. The artwork challenges viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of aesthetic judgment.