Who painted Judgment of Paris?

Judgment of Paris was painted by Raphael in 1490.

Where can I see Judgment of Paris?

Judgment of Paris is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Judgment of Paris?

Judgment of Paris is associated with High Renaissance.

Artwork

Judgment of Paris

Raphael , 1490

Judgment of Paris is a print by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This early engraving presents the mythological episode known as the Judgment of Paris. Executed from a composition attributed to Raphael and dated to around 1490, the print belongs to the initial state of the work, indicating it is the first version produced from the copper plate. The image is rendered on paper and captures a classical landscape populated by nude figures.

Subject & Meaning

The surrounding figures and natural setting reinforce the myth’s ancient origins.

The scene illustrates the moment when Paris, a youthful shepherd, is called upon to decide which of three goddesses—often identified as Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—is most beautiful. Central to the composition is the male figure, while a female figure drapes a cloth over him, suggesting the presence of the goddesses and the tension of the decision. The surrounding figures and natural setting reinforce the myth’s ancient origins.

Technique & Style

The engraving employs fine line work typical of early Renaissance printmaking, with careful cross‑hatching to model flesh and foliage. The composition balances a central group of figures against a broader landscape of trees and plants, while a circular vignette in the upper center depicts a rider on horseback and a seated figure on a cloud, adding a narrative inset within the main scene.

History & Provenance

Created as the first state of the plate, this print reflects the diffusion of Raphael’s designs through the medium of engraving, a common practice for disseminating high‑style compositions in the late 15th century. Its early date places it among the pioneering examples of Renaissance print art, illustrating how workshop copies helped spread the visual language of the period.