Judgment of Paris, after Raphael

The drawing Judgment of Paris, after Raphael by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) is a highly detailed study, executed primarily in pen and dark brown ink over an underlying sketch of black chalk. Dating from the early to mid-sixteenth century (1520-1600), this piece closely follows a composition famously developed by Raphael. The drawing is meticulously squared in black chalk across its surface, a technical indication that the work was likely intended for scaling up to a larger format, or perhaps used as a model by a workshop assistant or an engraver for the creation of subsequent popular prints.

The subject illustrates the classical mythological event where the shepherd Paris must award a golden apple to the fairest of three goddesses. The composition is dynamic, featuring robust Male Nudes and idealized Female Nudes clustered around the central action. Narrative details, typical of High Renaissance representations, include lively putti hovering above the figures, alongside the presence of terrestrial elements such as dogs and birds. This work, created in the orbit of Raphael, captures his monumental style and demonstrates the popularity of his designs, many of which are now widely accessible in the public domain. The drawing currently resides in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a crucial reference point for understanding the dissemination of Raphael’s influential compositions across Europe.