The Judgment of Paris (Peter Paul Rubens, ~1639)

The mythological event at the origin of the Trojan War was Paris’ judgment in the beauty contest of Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.

Here he gives the golden apple to Aphrodite, a decision for which she rewards him by helping him to abduct Helen—the most beautiful mortal woman. 

The Abduction of Helen by Paris (Follower of Fra Angelico, ~1450)

The abduction of Helen from her husband Menelaos by Paris violates the sacred guest-host relationship and the laws of hospitality.

Menalaos’ brother, Agamemnon, the king of the Argives, will lead the punitive expedition against Troy. 

Here the abduction is depicted with the props and costumes of the early Italian Renaissance.

Paris and Helen (Jacques-Louis David, 1788)

Here Paris and Helen are shown in a domestic scene in the neoclassical style of David. He wears the red Trojan cap (to be popularized by the French Revolution in 1789) and sports a very unwarlike lyre.

How does this image portray the infamous couple at the center of the carnage outside the walls of Troy?

Thetis Imploring Zeus (Ingres, 1811)

Thetis implores Zeus to grant her son Achilles glory by inflicting defeat on the Greek army in his absence.

Achilles Receiving the Ambassadors
of Agamemnon (Ingres, 1801)

Ingres’ depiction of Achilles and Patroklos transforms the neo-classical cult of virile heroes into an ambiguous celebration of male eroticism.

How do the upright ambassadors of Agamemnon compare to the sinuous curves of Patroklos and the musically inspired Achilles?

Hektor’s Farewell to Andromache
(Tischbein: 1751-1829)

Hektor takes leave of his wife Andromache and their son Astyanax in a melodramatic image that only hints at the mayhem outside the protective city walls.

Achilles and Priam

A bearded Priam stands before Achilles with a procession of gifts to pay the ransom for Hektor’s body (lying crushed beneath the bed). The intransigent hero refuses.