Judgment of Paris

Hans Brosamer produced several classical roundels relating to the popular theme of powerful women. In this depiction of the moment that started the Trojan War, Paris, the prince of Troy, is portrayed as a shepherd; asked to choose the most beautiful among the goddesses Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite, Paris selects Aphrodite, but only after the goddess promises him the love of Helen, queen of Sparta. When Helen is spirited away from her husband and into Paris’s arms, the epic conflict begins.