The Judgment of Paris 1683

Luca Giordano painted ‘The Judgement of Paris’ in Italy in the 17th century, a period when mythological scenes were en vogue. The image derives its meaning from the classical story of Paris, a Trojan shepherd asked to judge which of the goddesses – Hera, Athena or Aphrodite – is the fairest, with implications for gender roles in the present. We can see how visual codes, like the armour, cultural references, and historical associations, give meaning to the image. The story is set in a landscape, with Paris and his flock on the left, and the goddesses on the right. A cupid is shown pointing an arrow toward Paris, about to enchant him. The painting does not simply repeat the classical narrative, but asks questions about aesthetic judgment and social hierarchies. We can use the study of classical literature, the history of costume, and the artist’s biography to understand the painting better. Art history allows us to understand how the image functions within its social and institutional context.