The Judgment of Paris

The Judgment of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder

The Judgment of Paris, painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1533, is an exemplary work of the Northern Renaissance, executed in oil on beech wood. This painting illustrates the mythological tale of Paris, a Trojan prince, who is tasked with choosing the fairest goddess among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Cranach's rendition is notable for its intricate detail and the graceful, elongated figures characteristic of his style. The work reflects the artist's ability to blend classical themes with the emerging humanist ideals of the Renaissance. Lucas Cranach the Elder, a prominent German painter, was a court artist for the Electors of Saxony and a close friend of Martin Luther, which influenced his work and contributed to the Protestant Reformation. His paintings often feature mythological and religious subjects, showcasing his versatility and the cultural milieu of 16th-century Europe.

"The Judgment of Paris" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, created in 1533, is an oil painting on beech that depicts the mythological story of Paris choosing the fairest goddess among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The artwork is characterized by Cranach's distinctive Northern Renaissance style, featuring elongated figures and intricate detailing, and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.