LUCAS CRANACH THE ELDER (1472-1553)
The Judgement of Paris
c.1530-5RCIN 405757
While out hunting the Trojan prince Paris fell asleep and dreamt that Mercury asked him to decide which of the three goddesses, Venus, Juno or Minerva, was the most beautiful. Paris chose Venus (probably the goddess with her back to us), and was released from sleep. The story was popular amongst philosophers and humanists and at the Saxon court.