In 1956, Manfred Schwartz created a limited edition series of hand-pulled stone lithographs depicting the Judgment of Paris. The lithographs were created at the famed Mourlot Studios in Paris, France. Judgment of Paris was created in two color variations, dynamic reds and blacks, and in subtle peach tones, as shown above. The figures are drawn as semi-abstract minimalist forms with elegant curves. This is a very rare lithograph. Only fifty were created in this color composition.

The Greek myth of the Judgment of Paris tells of a contest between three goddesses. The story begins at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis. All the gods were invited, except one, Eris, the goddess of discord. Eris went to the wedding anyway, but when she arrived she was turned away. Angry at the rejection, Eris did what she did best, she created discord. Eris cast a golden apple into the gathering of goddesses. Attached to the golden apple was a note that read, "To the fairest one."

Three beautiful goddesses, Aphrodite, Hera and Athena all believed the golden apple was rightfully theirs. Zeus, the supreme god of the Greek pantheon, proclaimed that the decision would be left in the hands of Paris of Troy. Hence, the three goddesses appeared before Paris, each offering him bribes. It was Aphrodite’s bribe that enticed Paris to award her the golden apple. Aphrodite bribe was a bride; she gave to Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy. However, Helen was already married. Paris abducted Helen and carried her off to Troy. Eris’ evil-minded gift to the wedding party was not yet complete, the abduction of Helen led to the Trojan War.

About Hand-Pulled Stone Lithographs
A hand-pulled lithograph is made by drawing on a flat surface with wax-based crayons or greasy ink. The design is set with a solution of acid and gum arabic. The flat surface is then wetted with water and rolled with ink, which adheres only to the drawing. A paper is then pressed to the flat surface and carefully removed by hand. A separate drawing, wetting, inking and pressing is necessary for each color.