Venus with the Apple

myminifactory

All the gods of Classical Greek mythology received an invitation to a grand celebration, but one goddess was notably absent: Eris, the embodiment of strife. In a bold act of defiance, she tossed a golden apple into the midst of the revelers, emblazoned with the inscription "To the most radiant goddess." However, the question of who among the goddesses shone brightest remained unresolved. The decision was ultimately entrusted to Paris, the mortal son of a king, and he had to choose between Juno, Minerva, and Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. It was she who emerged victorious, claiming the coveted apple as her own. A sculpture captures the moment after the beauty contest, depicting Venus with one hand adjusting her garments on the tree stump and the other holding up the symbol of her triumph to admire its splendor.