The Judgement of Paris - Crispijn van de Passe the Elder

A detailed 17th-century engraving by Crispijn van de Passe the Elder, depicting the classical mythological scene of the Judgement of Paris.

This engraving depicts the classical myth of the Judgement of Paris, a narrative originating from Greek mythology. Paris, the Trojan prince, sits to the left, tasked with choosing the most beautiful goddess among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The composition follows the conventions of Northern Mannerism, characterised by elongated figures and a crowded, theatrical arrangement of forms. Mercury stands behind Paris, while the three goddesses occupy the centre of the frame, accompanied by Cupid and various symbolic attributes, such as the owl of Athena and the peacock of Hera.

The print displays the technical precision typical of the Van de Passe family, who were prolific printmakers in the Netherlands during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The lines are fine and controlled, creating a sense of volume through cross-hatching and varied density. The inclusion of Latin text at the base provides a moralising context for the scene, a common practice in European print culture of the period. The figures are rendered with a focus on anatomical detail, reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance models filtered through a Northern European aesthetic.

Crispijn van de Passe the Elder was a central figure in the dissemination of visual culture through his publishing house. His work often served as a source for other artists, providing models for mythological and historical subjects. This specific engraving captures the tension of the narrative moment, as Paris prepares to award the golden apple to Aphrodite. The background features a simplified natural setting, which serves to frame the figures without distracting from the primary action. The work remains a clear example of the graphic arts during the Dutch Golden Age, demonstrating the skill required to translate complex mythological narratives into the medium of copperplate engraving.