Judgment of Paris

1770s/1780s

British 18th Century

Associated Names
The image shows two full-length figures and a cherub in a classical pastoral setting. The woman on the left is standing, with her body turned slightly towards the seated man. She has long, wavy hair that flows over her shoulder, and there is a chain of pearls or beads draped across her body. Her gaze is directed towards the man. She is partially covered with flowing drapery, and her hand rests gently on her chest. A small cherub with wings stands beside her, looking up and reaching towards her. The seated man has curly hair and is shirtless, wearing a cloth draped around his waist and sandals laced up his calves. He holds a shepherd's staff in one hand and extends his other hand towards the woman. The background features a large tree with an expansive canopy of leaves and a mountainous landscape visible in the distance.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of David H. McDonnell

  • Dimensions

    plate: 35.24 × 25.08 cm (13 7/8 × 9 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 42.86 × 29.21 cm (16 7/8 × 11 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.125.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

David H. McDonnell, Arlington, VA; gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left below image in plate: The Lad has well decided, / He Judged it just as I did;; lower center in plate: JUDGEMENT of PARIS. / London, Printed for R. Sayer & J. Bennett Nº 53 Fleet Street; lower right in plate: Ye cou'd not all Three have it, / He gave it to the Fairist.; lower right corner in plate: 346; center left verso in ink, written vertically: onyx

Wikidata ID

Q77258757

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