Explore the 1636 version of this artwork.
This version follows the story as narrated in Lucian's 'Judgement of the Goddesses'. It shows the award of the golden apple, though alterations show Rubens first painted an earlier point in the story, when the goddesses are ordered to undress by Mercury. This had been shown in at least one of the early group (now in the Prado), with putti pulling off the goddess' clothes. The painting was bought for the National Gallery in London in 1844.There is a similar version, also of 1636 (perhaps the first to be painted), in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden.  This is less than half the size, and has three putti rather than one.
Dresden Prado Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden Lucian putti Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister National Gallery