Judgment of Paris (ca. 1665–80)
Original title: Judgment of Paris
kurzbeschreibung
A golden apple passes from hand to hand: the silver relief "The Judgment of Paris" by Hans von Aachen, made around 1665–80, captures the moment when Paris awards the prize among the goddesses. Executed in silver gilt, the panel measures 41 × 35 inches (104.1 × 88.9 cm).
Description
Around the figure holding the apple of jealousy, other figures gather into a circular arrangement that turns on the apple as its pivot. Columns and trees suggest an antique landscape behind them. The figures appear seated, standing or kneeling, furnished with garments, weapons and attributes. Silver and gold define the surface, and the incoming light draws out the raised forms and ornaments.
Context
The attribution to Hans von Aachen rests on his ties to the Habsburg court. With a date of around 1665–80, the relief falls in the Baroque era, when mythological subjects were prized in courtly art. Showpieces of gilded silver of this kind were often made for princely collections, which points to an aristocratic patron. The exact circumstances of its creation, however, are not fully recorded.
Impact
The interplay of silver and gold gives the relief a noble, sumptuous presence that draws the eye. The animated layout and precise execution bring the mythical narrative to life.
Technique
A silver relief with gilding — a precious and labor-intensive process. Through repoussé work the figures and ornaments stand out in relief and are precisely formed in the metal surface. At 41 × 35 inches it is a large-format piece that may have served as a panel or wall decoration.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)