Skip to main content

Peter Paul Rubens, 'The Judgement of Paris', probably 1632-5

Key facts
Full title The Judgement of Paris
Artist Peter Paul Rubens
Artist dates 1577 - 1640
Date made probably 1632-5
Medium and support oil on wood
Dimensions 144.8 × 193.7 cm
Acquisition credit Bought, 1844
Inventory number NG194
Location Room 18
Collection Main Collection
The Judgement of Paris
Peter Paul Rubens
/

Eris, goddess of discord, was the only immortal not invited to an important wedding. Furious at being left out, she threw a golden apple inscribed ‘To the Fairest’ among all the goddesses at the feast. Three claimed the title – Minerva, Juno and Venus. Jupiter, chief of the gods, declared that Paris should be the judge. The young man had been raised as a shepherd, but was actually a prince of Troy.

It is this moment of choice that Rubens has depicted: Paris hands the golden apple to Venus, goddess of beauty, in the centre. The goddesses had all cheated. Juno offered Paris wealth and power, Minerva offered wisdom and strength. Venus promised him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta – an irresistible gift.

In the clouds above their heads is the implacable Fury, Alecto. In a jealous rage, Juno commanded her to destroy the Trojans. She caused Paris to abduct Helen, and the famous Trojan War began.

Download image
Download low-resolution image

Download a low-resolution copy of this image for personal use.

License this image

License and download a high-resolution image for reproductions up to A3 size from the National Gallery Picture Library.

License image
Download low-resolution image

This image is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.

Examples of non-commercial use are:

  • Research, private study, or for internal circulation within an educational organisation (such as a school, college or university)
  • Non-profit publications, personal websites, blogs, and social media

The image file is 800 pixels on the longest side.

As a charity, we depend upon the generosity of individuals to ensure the collection continues to engage and inspire. Help keep us free by making a donation today.

Download low-resolution image

You must agree to the Creative Commons terms and conditions to download this image.

Creative Commons Logo