The Judgment of Paris [recto]

c. 1812

Guillaume Lethière

Associated Names
Guillaume Lethière

Artist, French, 1760 - 1832

This is a painting of a mythological scene in a wooded landscape. The scene depicts a variety of figures in elaborate dress, engaging in what seems to be a dramatic narrative involving water, swans, and a flowing river or stream. Towards the left, a figure clad in a red robe is reaching out towards another light-clothed figure, with several other figures gathered around them, some holding decorative items. A luxuriant forest background containing large trees with thick trunks and rich foliage is visible. The image conveys movement and interaction, with dynamic poses and drapery in motion. The soft, muted palette and detailed brushwork contribute to an ethereal and serene atmosphere. This is in the style of Nicolas Poussin.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor over black chalk on wove paper, squared in black chalk for transfer

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 45.6 x 59.4 cm (17 15/16 x 23 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.100.1.a

Associated Artworks

The image depicts a detailed sketch of a bent arm at the elbow. The focus is on the forearm and hand, with the hand pointing upwards. The fingers are in a natural pose with the index finger extended and the thumb visible. The arm's muscles and veins are illustrated with shading to show the anatomy of the forearm and hand. The background is plain, allowing the focus to remain on the hand and arm. The sketch is on a textured surface, giving it an authentic and vintage feel.

Study of an Arm [verso]

Guillaume Lethière

1812


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Jerome Zipkin, New York; (Arnoldi Livie, Munich, by 1987); (Thomas Williams, London); purchased 1998 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1987

  • Gemälde und Zeichnungen: 1490-1918, Galerie Arnoldi-Livie, Munich, 1987, no. 11, as by Louis Gauffier.

2024

  • Guillaume Lethière and his Worlds, Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, Williamstown; Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2024-2025, p.261, no. 50, repro.

Bibliography

2024

  • Bell, Esther, and Meslay, Olivier, eds. _ Guillaume Lethière_. Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, 2024: no. 50, 261, color repro.

Inscriptions

none

Markings

none

Wikidata ID

Q64572781

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