The Judgement of Paris, after Giovanni Battista Bertani (1516-1576)

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The Judgement of Paris, after Giovanni Battista Bertani (1516-1576)

Artist Giorgio Ghisi (Italian (Mantua), 1520-1582)

Date1555

DimensionsOverall: 16 1/2 x 21 in. (41.9 x 53.3 cm)

MediumEngraving

ClassificationPrints

Credit LinePurchased with Funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1985.15

Not on View

Label TextThis engraving, based on a drawing by the artist Giovanni Battista Bertani, shows the famous story of Paris, a shepherd prince of ancient Troy, who was called on to judge the most beautiful of three goddesses. The rival contestants, however, attempted to bribe him. Juno, queen of the Olympian deities who enters from the right in her chariot, promises Paris a great empire.Minerva, goddess of warfare who is armed with helmet, shield, and spear, offers him military victory. The nude Venus, goddess of love and beauty, won the contest by offering Paris the most desirable woman in the world. With Venus’s help, Paris abducted Helen of Troy, which consequently started the Trojan War. The Latin inscription that runs along the bottom edge of this engraving reads in translation: “The judgment of the uncultivated Paris is an example of how fleeting beauty is and how dishonorable Venus can be.” The part-man, part-beast satyrs standing to the left mark the scene as lascivious and satirical in nature.