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Head of Paris [Testa di Paride]

Guido Reni

Artwork Details

Head of Paris [Testa di Paride]
Guido Reni
etching on laid paper
17 9/16 x 12 5/8 in. (44.5 x 32 cm);14 15/16 x 10 in. (37.9 x 25.3 cm)
Gift of Professor Walter M. and Nesta R. Spink
2013/2.569

Description

Subject Matter:

This is a portrait of Paris the young prince of Troy and son of King Priam. As recounted in Homer's epic poem "Illiad," Paris meets Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, and kidnaps her. This sparks the Trojan war which brings distruction to the city, in the end.

Physical Description:

Bust portrait of Paris of Troy. He looks off to the upper left. He is shown with a helmet that is toped with a sphynx-like figure and long feathers.

Usage Rights:

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