Who painted The Judgment of Paris?

The Judgment of Paris was painted by Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael in 1615.

Where can I see The Judgment of Paris?

The Judgment of Paris is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Judgment of Paris?

The Judgment of Paris is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Judgment of Paris

Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael , 1615

The Judgment of Paris is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael’s drawing, titled The Judgment of Paris, dates to around 1615. Executed with pen and brown ink, accented by gray washes over a black‑chalk underdrawing on laid paper, the work presents a small group of nude figures arranged in a loosely defined composition. The background is essentially empty, allowing the line work and subtle shading to emphasize the human forms.

Subject & Meaning

The ambiguous arrangement suggests narrative potential without committing to a specific moment.

The scene references the mythological episode in which Paris must choose a divine bride, though the drawing does not depict the three goddesses traditionally associated with the tale. Instead, four unclothed figures are shown: a tall figure with an uplifted arm, another grasping a staff, a third reaching toward a smaller figure, and a seated individual in a contemplative pose. The ambiguous arrangement suggests narrative potential without committing to a specific moment.

Technique & Style

Wtewael employs rapid, sketch‑like contours combined with darker ink washes that create a modest sense of volume. The underlying black chalk provides a tonal foundation, while the gray washes reinforce depth in selected areas. The overall handling is expressive rather than polished, reflecting a preparatory study rather than a finished composition, yet it retains the dynamism characteristic of early Baroque drawing.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1615, the drawing belongs to the early period of Wtewael’s career, when he was active in the Dutch Republic. Its survival on laid paper indicates it was likely kept as a working sketch rather than a commercial piece. The work has entered museum collections through acquisition from private holdings, though specific ownership details remain limited in the public record.