Staande jongeman (Paris?) bij zittende Venus 1703 - 1775

This red chalk drawing, made by Louis Fabritius Dubourg, depicts the Judgment of Paris, a pivotal myth that ignited the Trojan War. Paris, standing with an apple, is poised to award it to the most beautiful goddess: Juno, Minerva, or Venus, who sits before him accompanied by Cupid. The apple itself—a symbol of temptation and discord—echoes through history, reminiscent of Eve's fateful choice and the ensuing expulsion from Paradise. Here, the clustering Cupids above Venus evoke a sense of playful innocence, while the figures in the background watch with a mixture of anticipation and concern. Consider, too, the gesture of Paris, his hand raised, about to make a decision that will alter the course of history. This moment of choice, laden with consequence, touches upon deep-seated anxieties about beauty, desire, and fate. The image engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human conflict and the enduring power of mythology.