The Judgment of Paris

This painting shows a famous Greek myth: Prince Paris has to choose the most beautiful goddess. His choice starts the Trojan War.

What do you see?

You see three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. They are standing in front of a young man, Paris. He holds a golden apple. A messenger god, Mercury, stands nearby. In the sky, there is a figure of Victory with a wreath. The goddesses are beautiful and wear different colors. Paris looks unsure.

Look closely

Look at the three goddesses. How are they different? What are they wearing?
Find the golden apple in Paris's hand. Why is it important?
Notice the light. Where does it shine brightest? On which goddess?
Look at the sky. Who is the flying figure with a wreath? What does she want to do?
What do you think Paris is feeling? Look at his face and body.

Style and technique

This is a Baroque painting by Peter Paul Rubens. He used rich colors, dramatic light, and strong contrasts of light and shadow (chiaroscuro). The figures twist and turn, making the scene feel alive and exciting. Rubens painted the skin of the goddesses very smoothly, making them look soft and real. The composition leads your eye from Paris to the goddesses and up to the sky.

Feeling

The painting feels dramatic and important. You can sense that Paris is making a big decision. The goddesses seem to be waiting. The bright colors and movement make the scene feel like a moment frozen in time.

Connections

Try this

Draw your own version of the Judgment of Paris. Which goddess would you choose?
Find another painting by Rubens. How is it similar?
Read the story of the Trojan War. What happens after this moment?

Next to find

A painting of the Trojan War, like the fall of Troy
Another artwork by Rubens, such as a portrait or a religious scene
A sculpture of one of the goddesses (Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite)
A painting that shows a different myth about a contest or judgment

帕里斯的审判

这幅画展示了一个著名的希腊神话：特洛伊王子帕里斯必须选择最美丽的女神。他的选择引发了特洛伊战争。

你看到了什么？

你看到三位女神：赫拉、雅典娜和阿佛洛狄忒。她们站在一个年轻人帕里斯面前。他手里拿着一个金苹果。信使神墨丘利站在旁边。天空中有一个胜利女神拿着花环。女神们都很美丽，穿着不同颜色的衣服。帕里斯看起来犹豫不决。

仔细看

看看三位女神。她们有什么不同？她们穿着什么？
找到帕里斯手中的金苹果。它为什么重要？
注意光线。哪里最亮？照在哪个女神身上？
看看天空。那个拿着花环的飞人是谁？她想做什么？
你觉得帕里斯是什么感觉？看他的脸和身体。

风格与技法

这是一幅巴洛克绘画，作者是彼得·保罗·鲁本斯。他使用了丰富的色彩、戏剧性的光线和强烈的明暗对比（明暗对照法）。人物扭转和转动，使场景感觉生动而激动人心。鲁本斯将女神们的皮肤画得非常光滑，使她们看起来柔软而真实。构图引导你的视线从帕里斯到女神们，再到天空。

感受

这幅画充满戏剧性和重要性。你能感觉到帕里斯正在做一个重大决定。女神们似乎在等待。明亮的色彩和动感使场景感觉像时间凝固的瞬间。

The Judgment of Paris帕里斯的审判