Paris Awarding the Apple to Venus
1551 to 1600
Medium
red chalk
Dimensions
overall: 24.6 x 25.3 cm (9 11/16 x 9 15/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1972.59.1
Art Historical Context
This delicate red chalk drawing by Francesco Albani captures the pivotal moment from classical mythology known as the Judgment of Paris. The young Trojan prince Paris extends the golden apple to Venus, declaring her the most beautiful among the goddesses. Albani, an Italian artist active during the transition from late Mannerism into the Baroque period, frequently explored mythological themes, using such preparatory studies to work out graceful poses and emotional expression before executing larger paintings or frescoes. Red chalk was a favored medium among sixteenth- and seventeenth-century ...
About the Artist
Francesco Albani · 1578–1660
Collaborated with Annibale Carracci and Domenichino on many decorative schemes, including some in the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. He also painted altarpieces, idyllic landscapes, and allegorical paintings. Comment on works: Religious; Mythology