The painter of the wedding processions was able to depict and convey the decision of Paris by using specific symbols, such as Athena’s shield, Eros for Aphrodite, and the lotus staff for Hera, as markers to indicate the event playing based on the characters present. This vase was likely placed as political propaganda, but unlike previous vases that were used as grave markers, this particular vase was a continuation of the rising movement of Greek nationalism following their victory over the Persians. The Greeks and Persians had been in a huge battle since the Persians were trying to increase their empirical domain. The Greek city-states banded together and defeated an enemy that greatly outnumbered them. This led to a huge surge of greek pride and nationalism in themselves as they did what no one believed could be done. With this pride also came the final stage of Red figure Painting, called the Kerch style which used more colorful pigments in their design.
Iconography is used in this art piece by the artist as a way to convey events and figures in the myth being told. The Painter of the Wedding Processions made the characters in the Decision of Paris recognizable by using elements specific to every one of the goddesses as indicators to the event playing out. He incorporated Athena, the goddess of strategic warfare, courage, and wisdom, into the vase as she was one of the 3 goddesses contending for the golden apple from Eris. The artist was able to portray Athena in a recognizable manner by using armor and combat equipment as, “She is typically depicted as a warrior, helmeted and carrying a shield and spear.”(Deacy 7). This allowed the common viewer to easily single out this figure as Athena since no other goddess was depicted in a similar manner. Another one of the goddesses present is Hera, the goddess of fertility. Hera is the wife of Zeus and she is typically depicted wearing, “A cylindrical headdress,” and, “In the hand furthest from the viewer she holds a scepter.” (Butcher 8) The cylindrical headdress is clearly present on the vase, as well as the lotus scepter she holds. Another sign that this figure is Hera is the hand gesture as she lifts a garment attached to the headdress which the Greeks used to depict her as the bride. The Final Goddess in question is Aphrodite, the goddess of Love. She is often depicted in statues as being very seductive. On the vase itself, she is depicted wearing a silk textured fabric which would make it easier to express her figure, which is a key attribute that the Greeks used to portray her. In addition, on her right we see a winged child tugging at her fabric. To the average greek, seeing a winged child communicates to them that this is Eros, the son of Aphrodite. In Greek art, he is usually always very near his mother since Aphrodite doesn’t have any other distinct symbols he is used as the main way of communicating who she is to the audience.
In addition, what really makes this recognizable to the average Greek viewer of the time is the presence of Paris and Hermes. Paris is the central figure in the vase painting and the entire story because it was his decision of choosing Aphrodite as the fairest goddess, that gave him Helen of Sparta. In return, Aphrodite promised Paris the most beautiful girl in the world in return. Paris is usually depicted in art as being very beautiful and young. This vase does follow suit by making his face look very youthful and clean, his hair is also well kept and he is also clean shaven, contributing to his youthful nature. In addition, Paris is also shown wearing a Phrygian cap, they were commonly used to, “Distinguished Trojan heroes from Greeks.” (Bonfante 148). These elements at least communicated to an average person of the time that this person was an important Trojan, but having figures that can be identified as goddesses around a mere mortal really made this image recognizable. There where very few if any instances when art depicted gods interacting with specific individuals in history. As a result, this image could easily be narrowed down to a handful of events. Hermes can easily be identified on the far left as well due to his winged boots, his cape and a golden wand that he carries. In the Iliad, it is specifically asked Hermes, “Why have you come here with your golden wand?” (The Odyssey 5, 105-107). This specific combination of characters being present together signaled to the average Greek viewer that they were seeing a depiction of the Decision of Paris.
Furthermore, the Attic Red-Figure Pelike, Kerch Style I believe was a result of the Greek government setting up artifacts as memorials of famous events in Greek history, whether it was to portray a mythological event or one where they enforced their will on their enemies. During the late classical period, vase painters were being paid by the government to paint vases with similar mythological designs. The Greek government could have very well had this vase painted to commemorate Paris’s decision of giving the golden apple to Aphrodite in exchange for Helen of Troy. The Greeks knew that by taking Helen from Menelaus, it led to the Trojan war, one of the Greeks greatest victories over a group of people who had wronged them. As a result, a common person of the time would feel prideful, as if they were not only defeating a powerful enemy but one where they had a right to do so. Just by looking at the depiction of Paris we can see that he is a well bodied and able warrior, and he serves as a representation for the Trojans as a whole. The Greeks were at an all-time high after defeating the Persians so this painting is a reminder of another glorious victory over an entire civilization they demolished.
The government stood to consolidate their power by increasing the pride the commoners had in the government with pieces of art just like this. By publicly displaying art that depicts events that allude to other victories by their people, any greek would be inspired and hopeful in the statesmen running their government. Another reason why the government could have had this vase painted is that in The Iliad after the death of Hector by the hand of Achilles, the majority of the gods sided with the Greeks over Trojans when it came to rescuing Hector's body. This was because Paris had angered Hera and Athena when he picked Aphrodite over them. As a result, this vase also depicts the fact that the Gods are with the Greeks, and continue to side with them. They attributed so much of their lives to the Gods that they credited their victory over the Persians to the Gods. To the average Greek, this inspires even more loyalty and support for the government because if the Gods have sided with them then why should any person doubt their authority when making decisions. This vase, as a result, was most likely place in a public temple as propaganda for the government.