The Judgment of Paris 1583

Alessandro Allori's "The Judgment of Paris" (1583), a preparatory drawing for a larger painting, depicts the mythological story of the Trojan prince Paris choosing Aphrodite as the most beautiful goddess. The drawing, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, utilizes a dynamic composition and expressive linework to depict the moment Paris awards Aphrodite the golden apple. The scene is set in a wooded landscape with a group of gods and goddesses witnessing the event, including Athena and Hera, who are depicted with a sense of disappointment and anger. Allori captures the drama and tension of this pivotal moment in Greek mythology, while showcasing his skill as a draftsman. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the drawing, creating a sense of three-dimensionality, further enhancing the dynamic energy of the work.