Judgment of Paris
English Mid-17th century
THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS was a contest between the three most beautiful goddesses of Olympos or Olympus for the
prize of a golden apple addressed To The Fairest".
The story begins at the Wedding of Peleus and Thetis to which all of the gods were invited, all except Eris,
(the goddess of discord). When she appeared at the festivities, she was turned away, and in her anger cast a golden
apple amongst the assembled goddesses addressed "To the Fairest." Three goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and
Athena,laid claim to the apple. Zeus (the king of all gods) was asked to mediate and he commanded Hermes
(the Olympian god) to lead the three goddesses to Paris of Troy to decide the issue. The three goddesses appeared
before the shepherd prince, each offering him gifts or favors. Hera said if she were chosen fairest of all women,
she would make him king of all men; Athena promised him victory in war; and Aphrodite promised him Helene in marriage.
So he chose Aphrodite. The subsequent abduction of Helene led directly to the Trojan War and the fall of the Troy.
This beautiful needlework rendition of the story pictures Paris with the three Goddesses, along with a rabbit,
dog, stag, lion, peacock, oxen, birds, frog, flowers, cityscape, etc.
Silk on linen; 18 x 22 ½ framed.
STEPHEN & CAROL HUBER
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