Lot 216: Gustav Pope (d.1895)

The Judgement of Paris
signed 'Gustav.Pope' (lower left)
oil on canvas
33 3/4 x 43 1/2 in. (85.6 x 110.5 cm.)

Paris, son of the King of Troy, married Oenone, daughter of a river god. However, because she had not been invited to the wedding, Eris, goddess of Strife, threw down an apple, inscribed 'to the fairest' to cause consternation. Paris was asked to award it to one of three contestants: Juno, who promised him land and riches, Minerva, who promised him victory in battle, and Venus, who promised the love of any woman he chose. Venus then went on to describe Helen, wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, in glowing terms. Paris awarded the apple to her. He then sailed to Sparta, abducted Helen, and returned to Troy, the act that provoked the Trojan War, and the subsequent fall of that city.

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