Hector Admonishes Paris for His Softness and Exhorts Him to Go to War by J.H.W. Tischbein (1751–1828)
At the end of the Iliad, book VI, there is an important discussion between the brothers Paris and Hector, both sons of Priam. Paris is described as, “A glorious animal, head held high, mane streaming…”(Homer I.536). In short Paris is described as a pretty boy, almost weak and not fit for war. When Paris and Hector meet, Hector confronts his brother and says: “You’re a strong fighter, but you slack off – You don’t have the will” (Homer I.551-552).
In the painting above, it is easy to visually see the contrast between the two brothers, Hector and Paris. From the skin color, Hector looks darker. This shows that he is out in war and constantly under the sun. On the other hand, Paris’ complexion shows that he has been indoors most of the time. The painter, J.H.W.Tischbein, presents one character sitting and the other standing. Also, the character, Paris, is surrounded by women, looks slightly feminine while his brother, Hector, has his armor on and a spear in one hand. Paris does not even have shoes on.
Between the book and the painting, it is clear that two brothers are very opposite from one another. Hector is prepared for war and ready to protect his city and people. Paris seems to be immature and almost careless about the war. Hector tries to guide Paris in the right direction to save Paris’ reputation as a prince and save the city. In the book and in the painting, it also shows that Hector supports his brother despite their differences.
After Hector tries to embarrassed Paris by saying “This is a fine time to be nursing your anger, You idiot! We’re dying out there defending the walls. It’s because of you the city is in this hellish war” (VI.342-344) Paris calms him down by explaining that he is trying to recuperate from his pains, or as I understand it from the previous combat he had just fought; in order to be able to give the best of him at this new battle, defend the city, the people of Troy and bring victory, “Victory takes turns with men. Wait for me while I put on my armor, or go on ahead” (VI 356-357) he needed to take some time off the battle field to be able to give it all. Although he seems to be immature and have a lack of interest, he is also, as you mentioned a “Strong Fighter”, no one was compared to himself in battle, which makes me believe he is not weak at all, he is an excellent fighter, he just not interested on continue fighting as he has already accomplished his goal of bringing home the price, which is his gorgeous wife. Paris is also described as a “handsome as a god” (Vi 348), however, this doesn’t take his manhood away, just as Achilles; he was also handsome and was the greater warrior from Greek. The greatest warriors in Greek history were often described as handsome warriors, perfect in stature and looks, however, didn’t make them less masculine. In the painting, he is surrounded by woman whom to me it does not show a feminine side, to the contrary it shows that he is royalty and a great warrior to whom has many servants attending to him, in the majority woman.