Judgment of Paris Mosaic - Atrium House
Mosaic of the "Judgement of Paris," the most elaborate mosaic panel of the five in the Atrium House. It was oriented towards the rear of the room, to be viewed by diners reclining on the couches.
According to Greek myth, Paris, a mortal, was required by Zeus to give the Golden Apple of Discord to the most beautiful of the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. (Libanius, a fourth-century Antioch orator, held that this event took place in Antioch.) This was the mythic origin of the Trojan War. Paris was tempted by Hera and Athena, but in the end chose Aphrodite because she offered him the most beautiful mortal in the world, Helen.
In the mosaic, Paris is dressed in Phrygian garb and oversees a flock of oxen, sheep and goats. He turns to confer with Hermes before making his decision. A winged Psyche with her lighted torch stands high on a rock behind Hermes and looks across to the right side of the panel at a winged Eros perched on a pedestal.
On the right, Athena and Aphrodite stand on either side of an enthroned Hera. The three goddesses are elevated on a rocky hill. Glass tesserae are used generously for green, yellow and blue highlights; Aphrodite's dress is filled with blue glass tesserae, perhaps to distinguish her as the winner.
Early second century AD, Atrium House, Antioch. Louvre Museum, Inv. Ma 3443.
Information from Antioch: The Lost Ancient City, 69 and 172-74.
