Analysis Of The Judgement Of Paris

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Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens developed a naturalistic Baroque style in his oil canvas depiction of the Judgement of Paris. Jordaens use of form, saturated colors, effects of texture, and the fact that his female models are believed to representations of his wife make him unique during the Baroque era. The Judgement of Paris is a painting that illustrates a vital scene/moment in classical history, Greek mythology. Many Greek gods and goddess, such as Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Hermes, and Paris of Troy, are portrayed in the artwork. The content of the painting depicts the wedding banquet of Peleus and Thetis. Almost all the goddess are invited, except Eris, goddess of strife. Out of spite, Eris throws a golden apple with the words "to the …show more content…

Aphrodite leg is creating a V shape. Hera seems to be modeled after Aphrodite of Knidos, with her hand somewhat modestly place to cover the female part and her body shape is also quite similar too Aphrodite of Knidos. Athena on the other hand, is giving the audience her full back. Her body creates “s” shape with gives a sense of motion. All four females depicted in the painting have that ideal female body congruent with Greek ideal at that time, 0.7 waists to hip ratio, unfit, non-muscular body. Same can be said with all the males depicted in the painting, they all adhere to the male ideal body; they are all extremely muscular and ripped, ready to protect their town and women, even Eros, a child has an extremely muscular body. Paris is seen horizontally extending his arm towards to Aphrodite granting her the apple, show casing every arm muscle just like in Discus Thrower, as if the artist just capture the exact moment of motion. There is an implied line, directing the viewer’s eyes towards the focal point, Aphrodite and Paris. All the character’s eye direction in the painting is going towards Paris choice of giving the apple to Aphrodite instead of choosing to give it to Hera or Athena. Furthermore, a dog, next to Paris, is seen horizontally lying down on the floor, which according to Greek culture, dogs were the protectors, they are calm, loyal and devoted to their masters. The viewer based on location and proximity of the dog to Paris can conclude that he will protect Paris from harm, foreshadowing the Trojan War, which Paris escapes alive. There is also iconography in the painting such as Eros, to identify Aphrodite, a peacock to identify Hera, and armor for

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