The Judgment of Paris 1647 - 1705

This large canvas, "The Judgment of Paris," presents a classical scene with a dynamic composition and textured brushwork. Though the artist is anonymous, the piece is held at the Statens Museum for Kunst. The arrangement divides the space between the figures of Paris and the goddesses on one side, and a landscape setting on the other. The tonal range, from light to dark, creates a sense of depth, with the dark shadows grounding the figures, while the lighter tones emphasize their forms. Note how the bodies of the three goddesses are arranged; each one is positioned to reveal specific aspects of their beauty, from the seated goddess displaying her torso to the figure at the far left, with light emphasizing her extended leg. This relates to the tradition of depicting mythological subjects. The artist uses a classical subject as a framework to explore themes of beauty and judgment, while also conforming to and challenging the established conventions of representation in painting. How does this juxtaposition of visual elements prompt you to reconsider established narratives of art?