Large 16th Century Old Master Oil Painting The Judgement of Paris Mythological

The Judgement of Paris Fontainebleau School, circa 1580 *see notes below oil painting on canvas, framed framed: 30 x 40 inches canvas: 27 x 37 inches Provenance: private collection, England Condition: the painting is in very good and presentable condition. The frame has some minor plaster loss. This painting is a very fine example of the Fontainebleau School’s work from around 1580. The Fontainebleau School, which was a group of artists associated with the French court, particularly during the reigns of Francis I and Henry II in the 16th century. The school was heavily influenced by Italian Mannerism, and its works often include mythological or allegorical themes, with a focus on elegance, elongated proportions, and rich, complex compositions. The painting likely depicts a scene from classical mythology referred to as ‘The Judgement of Paris’, which is typical of the Fontainebleau School. The scene seems to include a figure who might be a soldier or a hero being instructed or given counsel by a man who could represent a mentor, a god, or a figure of wisdom. The presence of three women, one of whom is holding a sword, along with a child, suggests a narrative moment, possibly involving a decision or a moment of judgment. The most likely interpretation is that this could be a scene involving the mythological figures of Paris and the Judgment of Paris, where Paris, a prince of Troy, is given the task of choosing the fairest goddess between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The women in the painting, with their classical attire and the presence of a child (possibly Eros/Cupid), could support this interpretation. The Fontainebleau School is known for its ornate and highly decorative style, characterized by graceful figures, elaborate settings, and a tendency towards stylized, elongated forms. The figures in this painting, with their elegant postures and the rich, atmospheric landscape in the background, are consistent with this style. As for the artist, while the Fontainebleau School included a number of notable artists, such as Primaticcio and Rosso Fiorentino, many works from this period and school are attributed to anonymous masters or workshops. The painting could be the work of an anonymous artist working within this tradition, circa 1580, when the school was still influential, but the identity of individual artists often remains uncertain. The dark tones, the use of chiaroscuro, and the intricate detailing of the figures are all hallmarks of this period and style. It could be a work by an artist influenced by or directly part of the second generation of the Fontainebleau School, which continued the traditions established earlier but with some evolution in style, reflecting the changing tastes of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. For more any more information please do contact us with any questions you may have. Thank you.