Story of Oenone and Paris, 1460

Story of Oenone and Paris, 1460

"Story of Oenone and Paris" (c.1460s) by Francesco di Giorgio Martini (Italian, 1439-1501). This panel features several stories from the life of the Trojan prince, Paris. At left is the Judgment of Paris, one of the events that led up to the Trojan War. Paris (reclining) awards the golden apple (for the fairest) to the goddess Venus (Aphrodite), rather than Juno (Hera) or Minerva (Athena), since Venus bribes him with access to Helen, the world's most beautiful mortal. The Greeks' expedition to retrieve Helen from Paris in Troy is the mythological basis of the Trojan War. Paris's first wife, the nymph Oenone, appears at center, wearing a flowing robe; she prophesied a bad end to Paris's pursuit of Helen. She appears again at right, imploring Paris, who is riding a white horse, not to leave. In the distance and alone on horseback, Paris gallops towards a city, maybe meant to represent Troy.

FRANCESCO DI GIORGIO MARTINI

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8268 x 2586 px | 61.2 MB

70.0 x 21.9 cm | 27.6 x 8.6 in (300 dpi)