Oordeel van Paris 1694 - 1766

Matthijs Balen rendered this ink drawing, “The Judgement of Paris,” sometime in the 18th century. Here we see Paris, son of Priam, being asked to judge which of the three goddesses is the fairest. Each goddess attempts to bribe him: Juno promises power, Minerva victory in battle, and Venus, the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. Note the prominent golden apple that Venus offers Paris. The apple is an ancient symbol, laden with the weight of human desire and destiny. We see it in the Garden of Eden as forbidden fruit, an emblem of temptation and the loss of innocence. Likewise, it appears in countless myths as a symbol of immortality and knowledge. The tale of Paris and his fateful decision resonates across time, reflecting humanity's enduring fascination with beauty, desire, and the consequences of our choices. The Judgement of Paris, as depicted here, shows how powerful imagery can tap into our deepest emotions and psychological states, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the timeless power of myth.