DIMENSIONS:Â (unframed) 40.00 x 30.00 in / 101.6 x 76.2 cm
SIGNATURE: Inscribed ‘Judgement of Paris’ (twice, on the reverse and on an old label attached to the stretcher)
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas
The Judgement of Paris
P.O.A.
Out Of Stock
Best known for his portraits and figurative scenes, George Spencer Watson has depicted the moment in Greek mythology when the goddesses Hera, Aphrodite and Athena command the Shepard-Prince Paris to choose the most beautiful of the three divinities.
The story of the Judgement of Paris began with the wedding of Peleus and Thetis which all the gods had been invited to attend, except for Eris, goddess of discord. When Eris appeared at the festivities she was turned away and in anger cast a golden apple amongst the assembled goddesses addressed “To the Fairest.” Three goddesses laid claim to the apple–Aphrodite, Hera and Athena. Zeus was asked to mediate and he commanded Hermes to lead the three goddesses to Paris of Troy to decide the issue. The goddesses appeared before him, who each offered him gifts for their favour. He chose Aphrodite, influenced by her promise to present him as a gift Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, for wife. Helen’s subsequent abduction led directly to the Trojan War and the fall of the city.
This work was exhibited at a memorial exhibition held in 1934, a few months after his death, at the Fine Art Society in London.
It is a testament to the great quality of this work that it remained in the family when, after the death of the artist, the painting was passed on to his wife, the dancer, Hilda Mary Gardiner, and then by descent to their daughter, Mary Spencer Watson. Mary Spencer Watson was herself a celebrated artist, having trained under Barbara Hepworth’s first husband, John Skeaping. A portrait of her by her father hangs in the Royal Academy in London.
Provenance
Mrs Spencer Watson, and by descent to her daughter,
Mary Spencer Watson;
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Buy with confidence: our assurance to you
Professional Associations
We have built up a strong reputation for the quality of the paintings, drawings and sculpture that we curate, exhibit and sell. Our professional associations with bodies such as The British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) and the Association of Art & Antique Dealers (LAPADA) are as a result of our reputation for integrity, our wide knowledge of fine arts and the high quality of our stock. Our business standards and expertise are reviewed regularly to adhere vigorously with enforced Codes. Our memberships and commitment to its Code of Conducts, gives our buyers confidence when purchasing a work from us.
Authenticity
Condition reports and certificates of authenticity vary in their nature by artwork, for more information on your pieces of interest, please enquire with the gallery.
Artwork images
We take pride in the attention we give to our images of the artworks for purchase and invest in these to ensure outputs are aligned as closely as possible to the item in reality. We do not apply filters or modify images, we provide high quality images to reflect the high quality of our artworks.
Your purchase process
Payment processing – You can be assured that payments are securely processed through Worldpay’s trusted payment gateway.
The Trinity House promise to you
Shipping and packaging
Shipping and packaging requirements are assessed per piece to ensure the most suitable protection for the artwork. Trinity House will therefore call following purchase to agree the recommendations and costs.
Our After Sales services
We offer the following services which we will be happy to discuss with you following your purchase, alternatively you can enquire for more information.
Insurance
We offer insurance appraisals to protect your prised artwork and help you find the right cover and policy for you.
Framing
We are able to advise on framing and have access to every type and style to suit any artistic period or room setting.
Conservation
The nature of the materials involved in a painting mean that on occasion some pieces are susceptible to movement and the effects of natural ageing. We are able to provide advice on practical measures to conserve the original condition of a piece and have relationships with restorers and framers to offer you a range of services to meet your needs.
Biography
Â
