AN ETRUSCAN BRONZE MIRROR WITH THE JUDGEMENT OF PARIS

Details

AN ETRUSCAN BRONZE MIRROR WITH THE JUDGEMENT OF PARIS
Circa 4th-3rd Century B.C.

Engraved with a pediment of a building in front of which is Paris, naked save for a mantle which hangs in rippling folds from his shoulders, facing the nude figure of the goddess Aphrodite who has just unloosened her cloak, while behind looking on is the naked figure of Hera and Athena clad in a peplos, the scene surrounded by a laurel leaf border, the handle terminating in the head of an ass, neck of handle repaired
11¼in. (28.5cm.) high

Lot Essay

In Greek mythology Paris was the son of the Trojan king, Priam. Being the arbitrator in a quarrel between Hera, Aphrodite and Athena, Paris appointed Aphrodite as the most beautiful and gracious of the three goddesses. In return, she rewarded Paris with the most beautiful of mortal woman, Helen. However, as Helen was already married to Menelaus, Paris abducted her and took her to Troy which resulted in the Trojan War.

More from Antiquities

View All