139 - Anonymous 16thC – The Judgement of Paris, ca. 1571 - Rare

Anonymous 16thC – The Judgement of Paris, ca. 1571 - Rare Description: This is a rare engraving. No other impression of this composition or bibliographical reference has been traced by us. The Judgement of Paris. Paris, seated at left and accompanied by his dog, is confronted by the three goddesses and awards the golden apple to Venus. The richly populated composition includes the traditional attributes of the goddesses: Juno's peacock, Minerva's armor and Venus accompanied by Cupid. The episode ultimately leading to the Trojan War is explained in the Latin verses below the image: “Iudicio Paridis Venus hic pulcherrima malum / Accipit aureolum, his hinc & bella seruntur”, meaning: “By the judgement of Paris, Venus, the most beautiful, receives the golden apple; henceforth wars arise from this.” With the publisher's address “G. de Iode exc.” in the lower margin. A finely executed and highly elaborate engraving, published in Antwerp by the important printmaker and publisher Gerard de Jode (1509/17–1591). The engraving is particularly striking for its dense and disciplined system of parallel and cross-hatching, with strongly curved lines following the contours of the bodies and giving the figures a pronounced sculptural quality. Deeply worked shadows alternate with areas of almost untouched paper, creating powerful contrasts of light and dark. The muscular anatomy, vigorous modelling and densely interwoven burin work give the composition a forceful and distinctly Mannerist character. Engraving, Antwerp, second half of the 16th century. Published by Gerard de Jode. Dimensions: 21,40 x 27,60 cm Condition: Very good impression on fine laid paper from the period, with a small Crown watermark. Trimmed on or just outside the plate border, with the complete image and text lines present. A few small paper defects and minor traces of use, nice plate tone. Overall in good condition. Literature: - Medium: Engraving Date: 1565-1575