A pair of European Subject 'Judgement of Paris' Plates

18th century

18th century
Each decorated with central scenes of Paris offering the golden apple to Aphrodite, flanked by Juno and Minerva, with Cupid seated on the lushly draped robes, all within gilt foliate scroll borders, all under a clear glaze.
9in (23cm) diameter (2).

Provenance
Sotheby's, London, 9 October 2002, Lot 248

Paris was the second son of Priam, King of Troy, and was known for making fair and just decisions. Zeus selected him to be the judge of a beauty contest between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The winner would be awarded the golden apple from Eris, the goddess of discord. Each of the three goddesses offered him a bribe in an attempt to influence his decision. In the end, Paris chose Aphrodite who offered him Helen, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris' choice of Aphrodite was one of the events that led to the Trojan War.

Though the origin of the story is obscure, its appearance in Homer's Iliad could be the the first instance it was placed into a larger narrative. The scene has remained a popular icon in Western art.