Who painted Judgement of Paris?

Judgement of Paris was painted by Hendrick van Balen the Elder.

Where can I see Judgement of Paris?

Judgement of Paris is held by Fitzwilliam Museum.

What movement is Judgement of Paris?

Judgement of Paris is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Judgement of Paris

Hendrick van Balen the Elder

Judgement of Paris is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Hendrick van Balen the Elder. It is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Hendrick van Balen the Elder’s *Judgement of Paris* was executed around 1650 on a copper support, a material the artist favored for intimate, cabinet-sized works. The painting presents a mythological tableau set in a wooded landscape, populated by several figures and a peacock, all rendered with the calm compositional balance characteristic of Flemish Baroque.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the classical episode in which Paris must choose the most beautiful goddess. The composition includes three female figures in distinct colors—blue, pink and yellow—suggesting the goddesses of the contest, while a kneeling male figure and a spectator in a hat hint at Paris and his entourage. A cherubic figure hovers above, reinforcing the mythic atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Rendered on copper, the work benefits from the medium’s smooth surface, allowing van Balen to achieve fine detail and luminous color transitions. The palette features bright, saturated hues and delicate modeling, while the figures are arranged in a shallow spatial plane, typical of the Flemish Baroque’s emphasis on narrative clarity over deep perspective.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. It reflects van Balen’s role in the early‑17th‑century revival of Flemish painting, during which he taught notable pupils such as Anthony van Dyck and contributed to the spread of mythological subjects in the region.

Context

Created at a time when Flemish artists were re‑engaging with classical themes, the work aligns with the broader Baroque interest in drama and allegory. Van Balen’s choice of copper and his focus on a compact, narrative scene suit the domestic display practices of the period, where such pieces were often kept in private cabinets.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hendrick van Balen the Elder

Hendrick van Balen or Hendrick van Balen I (c. 1573–1575 – 17 July 1632) was a Flemish Baroque painter and stained glass designer. Hendrick van Balen specialised in small cabinet pictures often painted on a copper…