Raphael and the Judgement of Paris

Paris reclines against a tree in a pastoral landscape, gesturing toward the three nude goddesses who stand before him. A dog rests at his feet, and a flock of sheep grazes in the middle ground before a distant hillside villa. The composition focuses on the moment of decision, with Paris holding the prize intended for the 'fairest' of the deities.

In Renaissance Neoplatonism, particularly in the works of Marsilio Ficino, the Judgement of Paris was interpreted as an allegory for the 'triplex vita'—the choice between the contemplative, active, and voluptuous lives. It represents the human soul's struggle to balance the pursuits of wisdom (Minerva), power (Juno), and earthly pleasure (Venus).