The Judgment of Paris
1585
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1585
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows three figures in a rocky, cloudy scene. A naked man stands in the center, holding a staff. To his right, a woman in a flowing robe holds a branch. Above them, another woman floats, also holding a branch. The colors are mostly earthy browns and soft whites, with some shadows blending into the background. The man looks like he’s choosing between the two women, which is a common story in art. The way the light hits their faces and bodies makes them stand out against the rough, textured background. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow like this.
