Judgement de Paris c. 17th century

"Judgement of Paris" is an etching by the Italian artist Stefano della Bella, created sometime in the 17th century. The work depicts the Greek myth of Paris, a Trojan prince, choosing the goddess Aphrodite as the most beautiful, over Hera and Athena. This decision sparked the Trojan War. Della Bella, a prolific draftsman and etcher, captures the moment in a dynamic composition with the three goddesses in a lively gesture. The etching, which was likely created as a small-scale print for private collections, showcases Della Bella's skill in rendering the human form and creating a sense of depth and movement.