Object history |
Purchased from Van der Werff by Louis-Philippe, Duc d' OrlŽans, 1718; imported with the OrlŽans collection to London, 1793; London, Christie's, Benjamin van der Gucht sale, 12 Mar. 1796, lot 80 ('The Judgement of Paris. Van der Werf hardly ever produced a more capital picture; if we take it for elegance of composition, it has all the graces of a Parmegiano, with that high-finishing and rich colouring in which his works so much excel'). Bt 'Sr F B' (Bourgeois) for £267.15; London, Noel Desenfans and/or Sir Francis Bourgeois, 1796-1807: London, Skinner and Dyke, Desenfans sale, 18 Mar. 1802, lot 188 ('VanderwerffÐThe Judgment of Paris'. Descriptive Catalogue, no. 169: 'Descamps ... informs us, that it was painted for the Duke of OrlŽans, while that Prince was regent of France, and even mentions the Price he paid for it, about eighty-five years ago ... The composition presents six figures -- Paris, who is partly covered with a blue drapery, is seated to the right of the picture, on the fore-ground, his crook and stick lying by him. Mercury, who comes to bring him the golden apple, with the three Graces, is standing behind him, whilst Juno, whose head is bound with a circle of gold, and her shoulders covered with a lilac drapery, takes the lead as the first goddess, and is standing near Paris. Minerva is on the left, with a helmet on her head, her arms bound with gold bracelets, and is partly covered with a drapery also of lilac colour. Venus is between them, having no other ornaments than her long fair hair; a little Cupid, at whose side hangs a quiver, is near his mother, wearing her blue drapery, and at her feet, are her two doves caressing ... Venus ... holds out her hand to Paris, to receive the apple'). Bt Chippendale for £404.5 (Bt in). Handwritten note in copy of catalogue at The Hague, RKD: '2 1/4 h. 1 3/4 P. [i.e. Panel] & Case. Bl Women & fine Trees &c.'; 1804 Insurance List no. 100; London, Sir Francis Bourgeois, 1807-1811; Bourgeois Bequest, 1811.
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