The Judgment of Paris

The subject of this panel was very popular in the Renaissance and Baroque painting. Athena, on the right with helmet and spear, Hera, standing alongside her with her back to the viewer, and Aphrodite on the left, are gathered around the Trojan prince and shepherd, Paris. Earlier, they have fought over the golden apple inscribed 'For the Fairest'. In the background is Hermes, with winged helmet and staff, who on Zeus's command has brought the three goddesses to Mount Ida, where Paris is to decide to whom the apple shall belong. Paris decides for Aphrodite. He is handing the apple to Aphrodite, above whose head Nike, the winged goddess of victory, holds a crown of laurel, while Zeus looks on", enthroned among clouds.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 3 minutes): Cristoph Willibald Gluck: Paride ed Elena, Paris' aria