
Decorative plaque The Judgement of Paris
Late 5th century B.C.
Attica
Ivory
The designs carved on ivory plaques used to decorate a wooden sarcophagus in the Kul-Oba burial mound (near Kerch in the eastern Crimea) are a remarkable example of Greek art. They bear depictions of the mythological episode known as the Judgement of Paris: Paris, the son of the King of Troy, was chosen to select the most beautiful of three Greek goddesses and present her with an apple. In the effort to gain his favour, Hera promised to make him the most powerful of earthly rulers, Athena the bravest of warriors and Aphrodite the possessor of the most beautiful woman. Paris decided to give the apple to Aphrodite who later helped him to abduct Helen and make her his wife. There is an interesting detail in the depiction of Athena - she has removed her helmet and holds it in her hand in order to let Paris see her face better.

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